Life feels different
Sea Cadets is different from school. There's a lot of learning. But it's done through activities – on the water and off the water – and our volunteers leading by example.
It's also different from home, a break from screens and being cooped up inside. The platform we offer is built on the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy. It inspires our work and commitment to supporting young people today.
Horizons open
Teenagers meet other cadets at events around the UK, and on trips abroad. Get comfortable with meeting people from different places and backgrounds, and confident in dealing with new situations, which can make going out into the world so much easier later on.
The support feels different, too
Our friendly, trained volunteers – some from a naval background, many not – are role models for cadets, looking out for them, and helping to draw out anyone who's shy.
If you think Sea Cadets sounds like having orders barked at you, think again. Many cadets do want to learn to be a bit more self-disciplined, and our volunteers will help with that and make it fun. But they also help young people to try things they've never done before, safely, and to support them until they achieve it.
A second family
Everyone looks after each other at Sea Cadets. There's a lot of respect in the air. And many teenagers and volunteers say it feels like a second family.
We take this responsibility extremely seriously and have robust, active safeguarding practices in place to ensure all young people feel secure and protected.
While you're doing this...
Orienteering across Dartmoor, travelling abroad, rock-climbing, rowing, ceremonial drill and parading with a band, first aid, engineering, even weather-forecasting and power-boating…. and getting badges to prove it, perhaps taking part in national competitions…
…You’ll get all this
You’ll become confident in new situations. Feel more in charge of yourself and know how to make a good impression.
You’ll find you want to listen to others with more experience in life than you because you’ll quickly see how it gets you to where you want to go.
In turn, you’ll learn how to support people who are less experienced than you, which you can use to captain a sports team and stand out in interviews.
And think how it would feel to be able to walk into a room and feel at ease speaking with anyone!
You’ll gain positive habits and thinking that will last a lifetime.
I don’t give up’ will become just how you think!
And skills and qualifications
You’ll get all the support you need to show what you’re made of, whether or not you shine at school.
