On 7th July, Challenger Troop welcomed pupils from primary and secondary schools throughout Medway at Meadowfields School, Sittingbourne, where they celebrated their achievements in the presence of the former Mayor & Mayoress of Swale, Cllr Anita Walker and Mrs Sylvia Lawrence, Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Mr Russell Race, and Mr Mike Whiting all of whom awarded certificates, medals and trophies.
The students and pupils from schools including Robert Napier, Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey, Broomhill Bank and Meadowfields School, 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 their peers, schoolteachers, local officials and, importantly, friends and family. Certificates were presented for completing the course, St John 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. Medway Team Instructor Sgt Rose was especially proud to welcome 3 new participants into the Challenger Troop 300 Club which is a measure of fitness achievement.
Changes in the young people observed by the Medway Team Leader Sgt Major Roberts included improved confidence, self-esteem and willingness to participate. He said “Some students are quiet and reserved when they start with us, by the end of the course they are actively participating in all the tasks. We see their enthusiasm, particularly in the command-based tasks which involve high levels of communication”.
Former Mayor of Swale Cllr Anita Walker spoke of her pride in the young people who had achieved so much and thanked Challenger Troop instructors for helping them realise their potential.
Simon Dean, OBE, Chief Executive of Challenger Troop CIC, said “The awards are a great opportunity 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.”
"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"
