ABOUT 200 Bermuda Cadets and 22 Canadians have just completed a rigorous first week of exercises at this year's Annual Training Camp.

And Bermudian military organisation has been highly commended by senior officers of the visiting Canadian contingent.

The programme, held at Warwick Camp, is designed to conclude the cadet training of the entire year. Cadets range in age from ten to 17 and often enter the training programme through their respective middle or secondary school, hence the programme and camp is primarily administrated by school teachers.

"The purpose of this camp is two-fold,'' said RSM Brendan Millett E.M.

"The junior cadets will undergo basic training and develop map reading and first aid skills. The senior cadets, all participating for the second or third year, will learn advanced weaponry and military skills,'' he continued.

ERMUDIAN Sergeant Marquis Douglas said the camp was fun -- but also entailed a lot of hard work.

"This is a strict place -- everything is done with order and neatness,'' she added. "We learn discipline, order, neatness, and punctuality.'' Canadian cadets who have travelled to Bermuda were selected on the basis of their merits as a soldier. Each has undergone a similar year-long training programme as the Bermuda cadets in their native Ontario.

IN addition to the 22 Canadian cadets who are participating in the programme, four officers have also arrived to assist Bermudians in administrating the camp.

Although the membership of the Canadian cadets has continually evolved, the group has unfailingly made the voyage to Bermuda for approximately the past 19 years.

Asked for his impressions of the camp, Canadian Warrant Officer Scott Orsan said: "This camp has been really fun -- and I have learned quite a lot since being here.'' "The camp here is different from those in Canada -- better in some ways, and not so in others,'' he continued.

WARRANT Officer is the highest obtainable rank of a cadet prior to becoming an officer.

"The Bermuda camp is pretty good, although the (Bermudian) kids are fairly young,'' said Canadian Lieutenant Bill Moran.

"Unlike the specific programmes in Canada, the Bermuda Cadet Corps programme and training camp is an overview or the armed services,'' added Canadian Captain Debbie Shaielle.

"We are working to create a balance between discipline and amusement,'' she continued.

"The purpose of bringing Canadians to the camp is to allow interaction and provide exposure for our cadets,'' said Bermudian Captain Llewellyn Trott.

"That is why we took them to England last summer and Canada in April. The different cultures enlighten the cadets as people, who then go on to make better choices -- which is part of our goal,'' he explained.

In addition to drills and military skills, the cadets will participate in numerous other activities, including a drugs lecture, a police lecture, a prep/talent show, and a church parade (to be held on Sunday, July 5 at Astwood Park).

ON Tuesday, the cadets began their overnight expedition -- Operation First Watch -- at Morgan's Point in Southampton. Junior cadets were trucked down to Southampton and were required to walk back, while senior cadets walked both trips. While at Morgan's point, cadets will learn skills necessary for survival in the field.

Next week, the cadets will voyage to Darrell's Island to participate in various athletic activities - a break from the normal rigours of the camp.

READY, AIM, FIRE! -- Platoon 3 of the Bermuda Cadet Corps (left) prepare for a mock firing, while above the enthusiastic youngsters engage in a balancing act, crossing utility poles at Warwick Camp. Pictured below left is a daily ritual as Bermudian Lance Corporal Kamal Worrell and Canadian Corporal William Murray polish their boots in preparation for the Tuesday march to Morgan's Point.