Vanuatu can be an ideal destination for cadet groups as outdoor adventure can be integrated with military history or extended to Survivor-type challenges. The 'Adventure Club' section of this site outlines outdoor activities available but the following can also be incorporated.

Military History

Vanuatu was a strategic base for allied troops during World War II and there's still plenty of evidence of that occupation today including:

• World War II US airstrip and World War II museum in North Efate
• Wrecks of two fighter planes (one in mangroves, one nearby for snorkelling)
• Havannah Harbour (base for WWII US navy)
• John Frum Cargo Cult (Tanna)
• Secret Garden WW2 memorabilia

There's also Port Vila War Memorial and the Museum & Cultural Centre. Jungle treks and bivouacs can also be arranged.

Two legacies from the US deployment - the 'mile-a-minute' lantana that looks tropical and indigenous was actually imported to be used as camouflage and you can purchase WW2 Coke bottles (date engraved on them) as souvenirs for around $6 - they must have got through a lot of soft drink!

A bit of trivia - unlike in the Solomon Islands to the north where there were many battles, there was only one Japanese bombing raid on Vanuatu (Santo) that resulted in the untimely death of a cow.

Activities

Personalised activities can be created to include outdoor activities - jungle bushwalks, kayaking safaris, overnight village or jungle camping, waterfall abseiling, paintball manoeuvres, trek to Mt Yasur active volcano etc. For those wanting something more extreme, we can arrange a 'Survivor' style itinerary - camping where the TV show Survivor was made (but without the Tribal Council ejection!).

Challenges set may go towards the attainment of a Duke of Edinburgh Award.

"You are not comparing yourself with anyone; you are not competing
with anyone; what you are actually doing is creating yourself."
Brendan Kelly - Irish poet and President's Award Committee 1936

There can also be a 'community service' aspect. For example, when an Australian Navy ship docks in Port Vila it is customary to donate time/labour to do things like erect a playground for children or to paint and carry out maintenance in a village. The Australian Defence Force has an advisory presence in Port Vila so no problem organising something similar for a school group.

Email us for more information on how we can create a package to suit your needs or for details on an obligation-free Expression of Interest afternoon/evening.

For general information on Vanuatu visit Vanuatu A to Z.