Published on: Monday, June 26, 2023
The Chindits programme is unique to King’s College CCF. It is an introductory programme for the Third Form, in which pupils experience a taste of CCF activities through a broad range of basic training.
At the end of their Chindits year, most pupils decide to remain in the CCF, choosing to join the Royal Marines, Navy or Army sections. Just before they make this decision, pupils attend the annual Chindit Camp. This end-of-year excursion is a hugely popular event in the Third Form calendar and sees pupils enjoying a fun-filled two-night camp in the wilds of Exmoor.
Overlooking a beautiful Exmoor Valley, the base camp is set up and becomes home for the duration. Throughout their stay, pupils participate in various traditional camp activities, including cooking, navigation, camouflage, and concealment. The year’s group was split into two waves - Monday to Wednesday and Wednesday afternoon to Friday afternoon.
They were part of either Bravo, Golf or Romeo sections who competed against each other over several exercises that included Infiltrating the staff and Lower Sixth Form NCO stronghold to take the throne, scavenging across the moor to gather a secret code, hiding from each other in ditches at dusk to sneaking through woods in pitch darkness to avoid dug in Staff and NCOs. They were marked on all the activities, the cleanliness of the tents and teamwork during meals.
Wave 1 was won by Bravo section led from start to finish under the expert guidance of its Chindit leader Ashley C. Queen of the Hill, and the only one to succeed in the exercise was Ellie W. Wave 2 was won by Golf Section who staged a comeback from last at the end of the first half day to win due to Queen of the Hill Monnie J and fellow teammate Lois C.
Overall, the Third Form had great fun learning new skills in the field - Including not depending on their mobile phones!
Several awards were given: Commander of the Week goes to Ashley C for managing and leading his team to victory but with special mention to Barnaby M and Grace G from their sections. 'Out of their comfort zone' award for pushing the boundaries and getting involved – Olivia H with mentions to Rosie H and Victoria M. Chindit of the week for outstanding effort, helpfulness and all-round contribution goes to Bethany H.
