Leadership on the High Ground: Cadets Conquer Canada’s Rockies

MOUNTAIN STORM 25 was the culmination of a year-long programme of selection, preparation, and training by the cadets and well over a year of planning by the staff of this exhilarating expedition. This ambitious expedition involved the deployment of a team of cadets and staff from all over the country to Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, where they tested their endurance, leadership, and teamwork against some of the most dramatic terrain in North America. Supported by the Connaught Trust, the expedition enabled young people to take part without financial constraints.

“I didn’t think I’d ever see mountains like this, let alone climb them.”

In early August 2025, the team deployed to Canmore, Alberta, Canada, accompanied by eight supporting staff who provided expert guidance and safety oversight. For two and half demanding weeks in and around Banff National Park and the surrounding Rocky Mountains, cadets applied everything they had learned in training from the preceding 11 months.

Mountain trekking formed the core of the expedition. Steep, technical routes and terrain up to almost 3,000m challenged navigation skills, fitness, and personal resolve. The cadets themselves planned phases, managed rations, and led daily briefs, with staff deliberately stepping back to encourage independence and leadership. Cadets also found niches within the team, whether that be cooking, keeping up morale, or setting up tents upon arriving at each campsite.

Other activities included White Water Rafting on the Kicking Horse River: navigating the churning waters of the Kicking Horse River (up to Class 4 rapids) was both a physical and mental challenge for the group. With adrenaline pumping and rapids surging, success depended entirely on cohesive teamwork and clear, confident communication. Each raft of cadets quickly discovered that paddling in sync and listening closely to their guide's commands was essential to staying upright and on course. Through the thrill of white-water rafting, the group not only strengthened their collaboration skills but also developed a deeper appreciation for mutual trust and quick thinking under pressure with the unique scenery afforded by the Canadian mountains.

The alpine landscapes surrounding Radium Hot Springs and the Canmore Nordic Centre provided an ideal backdrop for adventure and personal growth. For many in the group, zip-lining over deep forested valleys and mountain biking along steep, winding trails was a first-time experience, pushing them out of their comfort zones. These activities required courage, balance, and focus - traits that were honed throughout the day. As confidence grew, so did camaraderie, with cadets cheering each other on and offering support at every challenge. The experience left everyone with a lasting sense of accomplishment and newfound belief in their abilities.

Finally, cadets were left awestruck by the visit to the Athabasca Glacier, where they trod on thousand-year-old ice and learned about the history and troubling future. Lessons were also learned about the choice of footwear necessary on ice as some found ice to be rather slippery.

“It didn’t matter who had the best kit or the most experience - we all had to look after each other.”

The cadets also explored local attractions across Banff National Park, gaining not only a love of Canada’s spectacular wilderness but also a richer appreciation of the communities that live alongside it.

For some participants, Ex MOUNTAIN STORM 25 was their first trip outside the UK; for others, their first extended time away from home. The expedition’s deliberate focus on removing financial obstacles meant every cadet could engage fully, regardless of background. By helping towards funding specialist clothing, equipment, and overseas transport and activities, the Connaught Trust and supporting organisations ensured that talent, enthusiasm, and commitment - not household income - determined who took part.

The result was far more than an overseas adventure. Cadets returned with sharpened leadership skills, a deeper understanding of teamwork under adversity, and a renewed belief in what they could achieve. These qualities will serve them throughout their RAF Air Cadet service and beyond, whether in the Armed Forces, higher education, or civilian careers. Parents also remarked on the changes observed in the cadets on the return home, one saying that

“ Photos don’t do it justice…to give our youngsters an opportunity of a lifetime; a set of memories to last for a lifetime; and an experience that has shaped them for their lives ahead - building resilience, determination, teamwork, camaraderie, commitment, confidence and so much more.”

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