18 Year Six pupils from Crowborough-based primary schools in East Sussex came together on 25th October 2013 at the TA Centre, Tunbridge Wells, to celebrate and acknowledge their achievements in completing a bespoke Challenger Troop CIC programme designed to improve their skills and confidence to help prepare them for their transition to Beacon Academy next September.
Over the past six weeks, they had taken part in a range of physically and mentally challenging activities including potholing, raft-building, bushcraft, archery, shelter-building and an overnight camp at Broadstone Warren. They were supported by three Year Seven peer mentors who completed the programme last year, two of whom are currently at Beacon Academy.
In front of their peers, parents and teachers, the youngsters were awarded certificates for completing the course. There were special awards for improvements in behaviour and commendations for leadership skills, outstanding effort, mentoring younger students and navigation skills.
The presentations were made by Cllr Cowie, Mayor of Crowborough. Ethan S. was named Top Student after being nominated by accompanying teachers and Challenger Troop team instructors who said he was chosen because he actively avoided trouble, was therefore able to put more effort into the course and as a result became an outstanding leader.
Sam Phillips, the then Crowborough Local Partnerships for Children Co-ordinator said “We were delighted to receive funding from The National Lottery, The Smith & Fermor Fund and Sussex Police to enable us to run this programme for a third year. The children have enjoyed facing both physical and mental challenges and have learnt many new skills whilst having fun. Fears have been overcome and we have seen some fantastic leadership and teamwork in getting the tasks completed. Their self-confidence has improved every week and they can feel proud of their achievements.”
Changes in the young people observed by the West Kent Team Instructor, Rosie Newman-Bekkelund included improved confidence, self-esteem and willingness to participate. Rosie said “Week One, we focused on drill and they were very quiet, by the end of the course, as demonstrated here tonight, their voices echoed throughout the TA Centre. Those in the shadows stepped up and smashed their fears, whether it be the dark, and/or small spaces, they rose above and beyond expectations and emerged as potential leaders”.
Simon Dean, founder and chief executive of Challenger Troop CIC said “The awards are a great opportunity to reward the hard work of these young people who have faced many challenges, completed tasks far outside their comfort zones and achieved what they never would have believed possible. We believe that they will take the skills they have learnt on this course with them as they progress through their final year at primary school and their first at secondary.”
"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"
