I retired from the Royal Air Force after 37 years of happy service, including flying Chipmunk AEF aircraft at various locations.
I joined the RAF after some 7 years of Air Training Corps time in various locations in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In my time I ended up cold, wet, tired and hungry but wouldn't have missed it for the world. You haven't lived until you have been half way up a mountain, in the pouring rain, no fire, opening tins of stewing steak, peas and beans and eating them cold! Feast for a king!
The ATC/CCF is a wonderful way for yoof to experience life different from home and school - they get a chance to experience so many things, including camping, various visits, flying, both gliding and powered, DofE, not to mention learning discipline and interaction with others.
A great start to life...