URNU (University Royal Navy Unit) Birmingham has received a splashing good boost to its adventure training program, thanks to a £6,600 award from the NAAFI Fund. The grant was used to purchase kayaks, a kayak trailer and paddleboards, which will enable the unit to offer more exciting and challenging activities to its Officer cadets.
The new equipment will not only be used by URNU Birmingham, but also by other units within the URNU organisation, as well as the surrounding RNR (Royal Navy Reserve) and RMR (Royal Marines Reserve) units. This means that more cadets will have the opportunity to take part in adventure training and develop valuable life skills.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are great ways to get active and enjoy the outdoors. They can also help to improve teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. In addition, these activities can have a positive impact on mental health by providing a fun and relaxing way to destress and connect with nature.
“Access to equipment like this, funded by the NAAFI is an organisation enhancer,” said Lt Scholes, Commanding Officer of URNU Birmingham. “Allowing not only sporting activity to take place but also offering the opportunity to gain a RYA (Royal Yachting Association) or British Canoeing qualification. This will enhance the skills of our future leaders, not only within the URNU but the wider reserve organisation.”
An Officer Cadet said “Being in Birmingham, in the middle of the country, doesn’t mean as Naval Cadets we can’t gain water based skills. Having access to Kayaks allows us to do sport and also learn skills like RYA Rules of The Road on the water and water based first aid and lifesaving skills.
Could your unit benefit from some new equipment for Adventure Training? Get in touch @naafisocial.
