Canford School CCF Cadets Take on Norwegian Wilderness with Connaught Trust Support
Thirty Year 10 cadets from Canford School CCF travelled to Norway during February half-term 2026 for a challenging week of Nordic ski touring, supported by funding from The Connaught Trust and The Ulysses Trust.
The expedition combined three days of ski training with a three-day journey through the snow-covered Norwegian mountains, including a night in a snow hole and another in a mountain hut.
Building resilience and teamwork
The expedition followed a philosophy of 'high challenge – high support', providing cadets with opportunities to develop resilience, teamwork and self-confidence in a demanding environment.
Following training from expert instructors, the cadets embarked on their three-day expedition. The long, uphill first day tested both individual endurance and collective teamwork, particularly when hauling equipment and supplies through the snow.
Building and sleeping in a snow hole, ski touring through the wilderness and sharing accommodation in a mountain hut were among the highlights of the experience.
One cadet reflected:
"The expedition made me realise that I can do hard things if I just get on with it. There were times when I was scared I wouldn't be able to do it, but I cracked on and pushed through and in the end it was so rewarding to realise that I can do physically and mentally challenging things."
Another commented:
"The spectacular views I saw on the mountain and the Milky Way stars at night made me realise the world is much much bigger than I thought and there’s so many places I haven’t been."
An experience with lasting benefits
The expedition encouraged cadets to step outside their comfort zones, persevere through difficult situations and strengthen friendships.
As one cadet explained:
"I now realise that I can push myself out of my comfort zone whilst still having fun. It has made me realise how I can do things even when I don't think I can, if I keep trying. I am now more willing to try new things that may not be 'my kind of things'."
The impact was also recognised by parents, with one commenting:
"An immensely enriching life experience. She couldn't stop talking about it. An unbelievable opportunity to step outside 'normal' life, providing leadership and teamwork challenges in a difficult scenario. She has come back noticeably more confident and has clearly grown in herself as part of the whole process."
Canford School CCF extended its thanks to The Connaught Trust and The Ulysses Trust for their generous support, which has helped make these challenging and rewarding expeditions possible.
Canford School CCF cadets thank The Connaught Trust for its generous support. Cadets shelter inside a snow hole, acknowledging the support of The Ulysses Trust.
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