A group of 12 students on Challenger Troop’s core programme, from Drumbeat School and ASD Service in Bromley, raised a phenomenal £527 for their chosen charity, The National Autistic Society. In order to raise the money, the students took part in a 9km sponsored walk across the Ashdown Forest in Sussex, earlier this year in March, during which they were able to put into practice some of the navigation skills they had learnt during their time spent working with Challenger Troop.
They were inspired to raise the money as part of the citizenship week on the 12-week core programme and many of the participants and their friends live with autism and are determined to ensure that this does not prevent them from tackling challenges and fulfilling their ambitions.
Andy Brown, Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) at Drumbeat said, “The students have demonstrated tremendous determination on this task, they put their hearts and souls into this project from making posters around school to fundraise, to completing the walk, collecting the monies promised afterwards and we are very proud of their efforts”.
Nikki Reid, Challenger Troop Instructor said, “They have shown great enthusiasm and dedication to this project, and not only used the practical skills we have taught them but also used their communication, particularly their persuasive skills, to encourage support from their wider school and home community. They have done a fabulous job of raising awareness of autism and increasing the understanding of the link between behaviour and communication.”
"Outdoor learning is giving them back their childhood wonder and curiosity at new things, allowing them to experience the marvel of discovery and the learning that comes from taking risks"
