A Day with Cyber Cadets: Creativity, Teamwork, and HexVenture

Posted on by Kate Jenkinson

Image of board game

On 29th October, I had the absolute pleasure of attending a Cyber Cadet event in Inskip alongside Lewis Newsham. We were there to host the HexVenture game, which we had the privilege of learning from the brilliant Chris Lowerson. It was one of those days that reminds you why sharing knowledge and encouraging creativity in young people is so rewarding.

We delivered HexVenture three times throughout the day, each session to a team of incredibly enthusiastic cadets. What struck me most was their creativity and teamwork. The ideas these young people came up with were nothing short of inspiring. Some teams designed nuclear-powered barbecues aimed at boosting team morale, while others-built watch-based robots capable of managing crowds and handling ticket sales. Their problem-solving skills and imaginative thinking were absolutely thrilling to witness.

What I loved most about leading the sessions was seeing how each group approached the challenges in their own unique way. No two solutions were the same, and every team brought its own energy and perspective to the table. Watching the cadets collaborate, experiment, and build their ideas into something tangible was both energising and humbling.

Being part of this event was an amazing experience. It reinforced for me the importance of nurturing curiosity and technical skills in young people, and how much fun learning can be when it’s hands-on and collaborative. I left the day feeling inspired and excited about the future — not just because of the brilliant ideas the cadets shared, but because of their passion, teamwork, and drive to create something new.

It was a day full of learning, laughter, and innovation — and I’m so grateful to have been part of it. I can’t wait to see where these young cyber cadets take their skills next!

If you work at a school, college, or organisation in the cyber field and would like to get your hands on a copy of the HexVenture game, please feel free to reach out to me at k.jenkinson@lancaster.ac.uk. We’re running a Train the Trainer session, where you can learn how to deliver HexVenture and take away your own copy completely free!

Related Blogs

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by our bloggers and those providing comments are personal, and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lancaster University. Responsibility for the accuracy of any of the information contained within blog posts belongs to the blogger.

Back to blog listing