For the past two weeks, Warwick Camp has served as the site of a mock boot camp for a group of visiting Canadian cadets and Bermudian students.

The Bermuda Regiment has been holding its annual training camp for junior cadets and the programme has been branded a success by the participants and organisers alike.

The Regiment is playing host to the visiting Canadians, who said they were grateful to have the opportunity to experience a military-based atmosphere.

"We have cadets from all across Canada,'' said Cadet Corp Captain Debbie Shaidle. "Not only has this been a great cultural experience for our cadets, but it's been a great military experience.

In an effort to give the youngsters, aged 11 to 18, a jolt of confidence and fitness, the programme combined adventure training, survival skills, community service and good, old fashioned fun.

Bermuda Regiment Quartermaster Glenn Brangman, who helped oversee the cadets during their training, said it was an invaluable learning experience.

He said the test came when the cadets were given simulation exercises of disaster situations.

They were given a certain amount of time to complete the exercises and were then evaluated on their ability.

Mr. Brangman added the cadet programme, which is offered through various Middle Schools in the Island, has been well supported by the parents of the participants.