Cadets are awarded by Queen’s delegate

Hard work and enthusiasm paid off for Glengormley teenagers Chelsea Wood and Corey Gorman recently as they were recognised for their involvement as mentors in “Project Outreach”, a unique week-long adventure challenge designed and developed in partnership with the Army Cadet  Force Association.

Cadet Lance Corporal Chelsea Wood and Cadet Staff Sergeant Corey Gorman, both aged 17, supported a group of youngsters who spent a memorable week on the north coast, tackling everything from surfing, banana-boating, abseiling and rock climbing to mentally demanding team-building exercises, helping them to develop self-esteem and a sense of achievement as well as making friends  along the way.

Speaking at a “Project Outreach” reunion and presentation of certificates at Mossley Mill, hosted by Newtownabbey mayor Alderman Thomas Hogg, Colonel David Kane, Cadet Commandant of 1st (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadet Force, emphasised the importance of investing in youth and thanked all those who had made the venture possible.

He said: “Providing adventurous, fun challenges is central to the cadet ethos, so it seemed a very natural move for us to share some of those opportunities with the wider community under the ‘Outreach’ banner.

“Young people can achieve amazing things when they are given encouragement and support and we were delighted to see how well the latest ‘Project Outreach’ candidates did thanks to the support from our own superb adult volunteers and from cadet mentors such as Chelsea and Corey.

“Their sense of fun, coupled with their skills and energy, ensured a great week of activities for the young people. Our thanks are also due to the Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Hogg, who has given ongoing support to the ‘Project Outreach’ ethos and who was kind enough to host our reunion evening.”