Cadets learn vital survival skills during annual summer camp

by 1st Lt. Jennifer Brofer
California Cadet Corps Public Affairs

CAMP SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Cadets with the California Cadet Corps put their resilience and resourcefulness to the test here June 20 as they honed essential wilderness survival skills during their 10-day summer encampment. The immersive training focused on four core fundamentals: building shelter, starting a fire, foraging for food, and purifying water—critical skills that could one day save lives in emergency situations.

The training emphasized hands-on learning, with cadets gathering materials like kindling, twigs, and other natural resources to build a fire. These foundational exercises help cadets develop the practical skills needed to boil water, cook food, and meet essential survival needs in the wilderness.

Cadets also learned how to identify edible plants such as mustard greens, juniper berries, and even cactus. They also built makeshift water filters by cutting the bottom off a plastic bottle, adding cloth, grass, rocks, and sand, and pouring in murky water to watch clean water trickle through—a powerful visual lesson in resourcefulness and science.

“They’re teaching them how to build a shelter, forage for food, purify water, and start a fire,” said CACC Capt. Leona Sibley, officer in charge of the Survival Fundamental Skills course. “They’re learning the basics, and they’re enjoying it—so that’s the positive thing.”

With guidance from the Red Berets—cadets who have previously completed advanced survival training—participants not only gained critical wilderness skills but also grew in confidence. 

“What I really like about the cadets we have teaching is they’re highly motivated and they have the knowledge,” said Sibley. “Most of them have gone through survival training, so they know what they’re talking about, and I think it’s a great opportunity.”

One of those instructors, Cadet 1st Lt. Rhythm Padilla of Rosamond High School’s 273rd Battalion, 15th Brigade, led fire-building lessons. “We’re teaching them how to build fires and fire safety,” said Padilla. “We’re also teaching them how to use ferro rods, and flint and steel.”

Meanwhile, Cadet Sgt. 1st Class Amaris Columbe, 279th Battalion, 18th Brigade, taught her peers how to construct a basic shelter using a tarp, wood, and rope. “Just in case they get into a situation where they get stranded or there’s natural disasters,” said Columbe, who is entering her senior year at Serrano High School. Having completed multiple years of survival instruction, she now takes pride in passing that knowledge on.

“My favorite thing about the Cadet Corps is how everyone comes together as one and the leadership,” she added. “My favorite thing about summer camp is being able to see how many cadets have loved the program and being able to pick things we want to do and have fun.”