CAPTION: Rev'd Huntley taking part in first aid training as part of role as an Air Cadet Chaplain
Serving Devon’s Teenagers With Joy as an Air Cadet Chaplain
Article by Rev’d Stuart Huntley, an Air Cadet chaplain and Priest-in-Charge of Offwell, Farway and Widworthy in East Devon.
Have you ever wondered how you can reach out to more teenagers when we don’t always see them at church?
Being an air cadet chaplain is a fantastic way to meet with the teenagers in your communities. You see them grow into their best, see them flourish into young adults, see the quiet ones become strong leaders, gain resilience, self-discipline and skills for life. Since the uniform is issued to the cadets it is a great leveller as they mix openly with their peers from all social backgrounds.
Earlier this month, we were pleased to have Bishop Mike join us for the annual Battle of Britain service in Exmouth. It was organised by Father Steve Martin from Colyton, who’s also chaplain to Exmouth Air Cadets. We have twenty squadrons and eleven chaplains across Devon and Somerset, so if you want to join us, we have some vacancies.
Air Cadets on parade in Exmouth at a service attended by the Bishop of Exeter
As a chaplain you go to the squadron at least once a month, sometimes to deliver a Padre’s hour which doesn’t have to be formal and sometimes you’ll go and join in with the activities which may include being made up as a model for first aid training!
This summer it was my privilege to go on camp with these young people to RAF Odiham. At camp the cadets experience all aspects of the base from Air Traffic to the Fire Station, and they even gave me a portable pulpit to use! Seriously though, the cadets see all aspects of military life that opens their eyes to a wider world. It’s impossible to measure the joy on their faces as they get to go flying or load their plates in the mess.
You can be part of this and help these young people fulfil their purpose by joining as a cadet chaplain. Chaplaincy is open to lay ministers, lay readers, and youth ministers. You don’t have to be an ordained priest within the diocese to fulfil this role.
If you are interested in this rewarding and encouraging ministry then please contact me, Reverend Stuart Huntley: [email protected]
National Cadet Week runs from 5-11 October and is a national celebration of the Cadet Forces. Read more here.
