Bristol and Gloucester Wing have won the Shackleton Trophy for 2025 with their Exercise Mountain Storm expedition to Canada.
Exercise Mountain Storm marked the culmination of a year-long journey of selection, preparation, and intensive training for the cadets, underpinned by more than two years of meticulous planning by staff.
Thirty cadets and staff from 22 Squadrons, 6 Wings, and 2 Regions braved the Rocky Mountains of Canada, pushing their limits in leadership, endurance, and resilience. From navigating the breathtaking landscapes of Banff and Jasper National Parks to thrilling adventures like white-water rafting and zip-lining, every participant embraced the challenge and grew from the experience.
Cadets developed leadership and sound decision-making within a controlled but challenging environment. Teamwork was forged through shared responsibility and the need to overcome unpredictable obstacles together. Physical fitness was developed alongside moral and physical courage through progressive outdoor challenges, nurturing qualities that extend far beyond the mountains and contribute to becoming confident, well-rounded citizens.
The coveted Shackleton Trophy is awarded annually to the Air Training Corps (ATC) expedition judged to be the most successful, imaginative, and adventurous. The award was created by Jim Crail, a previous Chairman of the Shackleton Association. He thought to link the quality of endurance implicit in the Shackleton aircraft’s name with that demanded from each ATC expedition and representing the Corps motto ‘Venture Adventure’.
Thank you to the panel of judges:
• Air Cdre (Ret'd) Dawn McCafferty CBE – Commandant Air Cadets 2012-2020
• Polly Marsh DL – Ulysses Trust CEO
• Shane Winser – Royal Geographical Society, Head of Expeditions
Congratulations to the winning team of the Shackleton Trophy Award 2025 – Exercise Mountain Storm 2025, Bristol and Gloucester Wing!