This summer, more than 350 Army Cadets and adult volunteers from across Northumbria came together for their annual Summer Camp at Warcop in Cumbria. The week-long event provided cadets with the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of activities designed to challenge, inspire, and develop valuable life skills.
Northumberland Freemasons were proud to support the camp by funding two T-shirts for every participant. A donation of £5,672 was presented on behalf of the Province and the Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Trust by W. Bros. Greg Smith and George Sanger, both former Assistant Provincial Grand Masters and members of Reserve Forces Lodge No. 2666.
The presentation took place on the camp’s Open Day and was attended by distinguished guests, including the Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, Dr. Caroline Pryer; the Lord High Sheriff of Northumberland, Mr. George Farr; and Colonel Michael White, JP, DL. All expressed their gratitude for the support and the positive impact it will have on the cadets.
W. Bros. Smith and Sanger were given the opportunity to observe a range of activities during their visit, including fieldcraft and leadership development sessions. They were impressed by the dedication of the adult volunteers and the enthusiasm of the cadets, noting how the training and experiences at camp help instil values of teamwork, discipline, and resilience – qualities central to the Cadet Force motto: “To Inspire to Achieve.”
W. Bros. Greg Smith and George Sanger present a cheque for £5,672 to the Northumbria Army Cadet Force at Warcop Summer Camp.
Reflecting on the day, they said:
“We were delighted to see first-hand the professionalism of the staff and the passion for learning shown by the cadets. The donation has made a real difference to these young people in their formative years, providing opportunities for personal development and growth. We hope to continue supporting the Cadet Force in the future, as the funding from Northumberland Freemasons truly helps to build brighter futures.”
The strong links between Freemasonry and the cadet movement are reflected in the number of Northumberland Freemasons who are involved not only in Army Cadet units, but also in the Sea Cadets, Air Cadets, and associated Scout groups.