Building the expedition

We knew our plan was feasible, Now we had to establish whether we could raise a team from within Herts and Bucks Wing – especially as we started getting enquiries from units outside the Wing who wanted to get involved. Information was sent to every unit in the Wing early in 1998 inviting all interested staff and cadets to a series of open meetings, and we held a number of all-comers training sessions on the Thames and in North Wales. At these sessions, we provided basic open canoe training, explained our plans in detail, and took the names and contact details of everyone who expressed an interest. By the end of 1998 the list included more than 40 people from 12 units, so we knew the expedition was viable. 

At the same time we had plenty of work to do on the practical aspects, including:

• selecting a route
• choosing the dates
• estimating costs of flights and in-country expenses
• assessing risk levels
• obtaining approval from HQ Air Cadets
• staff training to ensure that first aid and canoe instructor qualifications were brought up to date

A training plan was published and implemented, and it soon became clear that we had a dedicated core of cadets and staff who were sufficiently committed to the trip to turn up to every training session and briefing. Cadets also showed their commitment by raising the money for the trip. They did this by working, by asking relatives for cash birthday and Christmas presents, by obtaining personal sponsorship and by convincing parents that the money would be well spent. For details of the timetable and communications with Squadrons and team members at this time, click on Timeline

One concern was how we would select people if too many people wanted to go. We thought out some selection criteria which took into account ability, fitness, number of training sessions attended and temperament, but were relieved when we didn’t have to use them. Every cadet in the training squad who wanted to go and could raise the money went to Canada, and we didn’t have to turn anyone away

We also expected some controversy when we came to decide on pairings for canoes and groupings for tents but, again, this just wasn’t a problem. The cadets spontaneously paired themselves for the canoes, and no "command decisions" were necessary

During the final 6 months, we held several meetings with parents to brief them on the trip and answer any questions or concerns that they might have. We were pleased that they seemed to be as excited about the trip as their sons and daughters, and some of them would have liked to join us!