On Friday 15th July, 20 pupils from Greensted Junior School, Basildon celebrated completing their 12 week core programme in front of their families, peers, teachers and school governors.
In the evening, it was the turn of the secondary school students who had completed our 12-week programme came together at the Army Reserve Centre, Chelmsford to celebrate their achievements in the presence of the Deputy Mayor of Chelmsford, Cllr Linda Denston, Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, Mr Ian Twinley and Lieutenant Colonel Jackie Allen (EARFCA), all of whom presented certificates and awards.
The students from schools across the Essex area including Marshalls Park, CCS, Castledon and William de Ferrers, were being rewarded for completing a 12-week course of gruelling and challenging activities. During their programme they undertook adventure training, fieldcraft and bushcraft activities all of which were designed to build personal development skills including self-confidence, resilience and self-discipline. Course participants learnt to improve their behaviour and attitude towards those around them. They improved their fitness, along with their social and communication skills, teambuilding and leadership skills, all of which have helped them make significant progress in their education. The participants were young people who have referred themselves to the programmes in consultation with their schools.
Awards were presented in front of 180 guests made up of their peers, schoolteachers, local officials and, importantly, friends and family. Certificates were presented for completing the course, Challenger Troop First Aid Young Lifesaver awards, and National Navigator awards. In addition, special merits for improvements in behaviour and commendations for leadership skills, outstanding effort and mentoring younger students were awarded.
The Essex Team Instructors all agreed what a fantastic term it had been, with each group bringing something unique to party.
“The big moment of the term came from our Wednesday’s group, which was piloted by putting two different schools together and having them work on a “big brother” type program. Students from CSS (PRU) and Castledon School (S.E.N) were specially selected to work with each other to build on their confidence, self-belief and responsibilities, not just think about themselves,” said Essex Sector Manager, Sgt Major Lidlow. “I have observed the young people and seen an improvement in their confidence, self-esteem and willingness to participate. Some students turned up on day one quite introverted, but by midway through the course they actively participated in all the tasks set. We have seen their enthusiasm grow, particularly in the adventure training and command-based tasks which involve high levels of leadership and communication. The awards ceremonies are a great opportunity for us to reward the hard work of the participants who have faced many challenges, completed tasks far outside their comfort zones and achieved what they never would have believed possible. I am so proud to see first hand, the positive impact we have made. The feedback from families and teachers has been overwhelming and inspiring”.
For more information, about our programmes please click here
"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"
