"I Challenge YOU!"
By Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Jon A.P. Henderson
Cable Composite Squadron 25 (PCR-CA-193)
Summertime in Civil Air Patrol is synonymous with Encampment- just about every cadet in California wing, even nationwide anticipates the biggest event in the Summer, which some regard as the only Summer activity open to all cadets. Not anymore.
Only recently has a new event stepped into the spotlight of California- that is the Ultimate Bear and Wings Challenge, a weekend of Summer fun and friendly competition which names the winning squadron champion of the California Wing. The first ever was held June 24-26, with a turnout of eight competing teams each respectively represented by four cadets and a senior member escort.
The first day kicked off with in-processing and a detailed explanation of the upcoming weekend. Day two was the premier day of the Challenge, starting with physical trials ranging from the classic 100-meter sprint and a specially-designed agility course on the ground, to an underwater brick-toss and other aquatic contests in a swimming pool.
The grand finale came on day three with a cumulative team Aerospace test, a UDF compass course, and a group leadership reaction course. When all was said and done, the champion named, every participant unanimously agreed that the event was extremely successful, and highly entertaining.
Cable Composite Squadron 25 team member Cadet Senior Airman Desirae Grumbine, when asked about her views on the UBWC, gave a very common affirmation of its success, "... the experience as a whole was amazing, and I look forward to competing next year."
All competition aside, the social interactions at UBWC were also regarded as positive. "I really got to know everyone,” said fellow team member Cadet Technical Sgt. Dylan Keetle, "...and I can't wait until next year!"
While the whole event was outstanding fun, the Author, however, does not want to "spill the beans" about the specific activities. But, to find out about them one only needs to sign up for next year's Ultimate Bear and Wings Challenge.
Photo caption: The inaugural Ultimate Bear and Wings Challenge competitors and staff are photographed as a group during the competition at Vandenberg Air Force Base. (Photo by Eve Higgins, courtesy CAWG Cadet Programs)
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