Sydney High School Cadet Unit (SHSCU) was established in 1883 at the same time that the school was founded. SHSCU aims to provide students of Sydney Boys High School and Sydney Girls High School opportunities to develop their abilities and lead their peers within an environment centred around core army values – Service, Initiative, Respect, Courage and Excellence. Cadets experience a range of military and adventurous activities including drill, navigation, first aid, bushcraft, weekend bivouacs (camps), adventurous training such as ropes courses and abseiling as well as a state-wide annual camp held in the September holidays each year. SHSCU seeks to raise money for the replacement of camping gear, acquisition of ceremonial dress and equipment, as well as supplement costs related to conducting bivouacs.