What we do
At Sefton we aim to give young people an experience that will help them grow into the person they want to be in a safe and friendly environment. Through various activities and adventures, we learn teamwork, respect, loyalty, self-confidence, commitment, self-discipline, honesty and how to be the best version of ourselves.
You learn life skills. I was 12, very quiet and shy. Cadets makes you find the confidence. You feel part of something special. Serafina, 15
We offer a range of different activities from sailing, windsurfing and powerboating - to rock climbing, camping, and music - plus, so much more! At Sefton you are also able to gain different qualifications that you can take with you once you leave Sea Cadets!
"It makes me feel I can do things others can't. I don't want to stay in my house every day. I want to see how the world is."
Shaun, 13
It is our priority to make sure that Sea Cadets is a safe environment young people can go to, to be themselves. Click here to find out more about how we safeguard our young people.
You learn life skills. I was 12, very quiet and shy. Cadets makes you find the confidence. You feel part of something special.Serafina, 15
Life feels different
Sea Cadets is different from school. There's a lot of learning. But it's done through activities – on the water and off the water – and our volunteers leading by example.
It's also different from home, a break from screens and being cooped up inside. The platform we offer is built on the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy. It inspires our work and commitment to supporting young people today.
Horizons open
Teenagers meet other cadets at events around the UK, and on trips abroad. Get comfortable with meeting people from different places and backgrounds, and confident in dealing with new situations, which can make going out into the world so much easier later on.
The support feels different, too
Our friendly, trained volunteers – some from a naval background, many not – are role models for cadets, looking out for them, and helping to draw out anyone who's shy.
If you think Sea Cadets sounds like having orders barked at you, think again. Many cadets do want to learn to be a bit more self-disciplined, and our volunteers will help with that and make it fun. But they also help young people to try things they've never done before, safely, and to support them until they achieve it.
A second family
Everyone looks after each other at Sea Cadets. There's a lot of respect in the air. And many teenagers and volunteers say it feels like a second family.
We take this responsibility extremely seriously and have robust, active safeguarding practices in place to ensure all young people feel secure and protected.
14,000 10- to 18-year-olds get together in every week
400 local units give cadets a great time with a serious side every week
9000 volunteers give their time to help teenagers develop the skills and approach to life that will launch them into independence
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