Teenagers get busy during the summer
Posted: 30 July 2014
Teenagers in Mansfield and Ashfield are throwing themselves into a series of projects and challenges over the summer holidays, as part of a scheme to aid their personal and social development.
(front, from left) Oscar Govan-Greenacre, James Barker and Christopher Jackson are cheered on during the rowing challenge
Young people aged 16 and 17 are taking part in activities delivered through the National Citizen Service (NCS) project – a government-led initiative designed to support them in the transition to adulthood through residential projects and community-based activities.
Events organised by West Nottinghamshire College – one of the organisations running the NCS scheme locally – saw two separate groups take part in a rowing machine relay challenge and stationary bike ride last week at Lammas Leisure Centre, Sutton-in-Ashfield, to raise funds for charity.
Participants clocked up the equivalent of almost 200 miles during the rowing event (on Wednesday 23 July) while another group cycled the equivalent of 300 miles in their cycling challenge (on Friday 25 July).
This week a group is assisting park rangers in cutting back rhododendrons at Clumber Park, Worksop, through a volunteering project with the Forestry Commission.
The group have also helped the Forestry Commission remove shrubbery at Silverhill Woods, Sutton-in-Ashfield, camped out at Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre, in Buxton, Derbyshire, and completed a residential week at Portland College, Mansfield.
One of the young people taking part in the project is West Nottinghamshire College childcare student Christopher Jackson, 17, from Huthwaite.
He said: “In the last four weeks I’ve accomplished a lot on the project. I’ve learnt more about myself and met new friends. It’s increased my social skills, as well as my academic, physical and mental skills, and I’d recommend this programme to anyone wanting fresh challenges.”
A total of 280 young people are taking part in the college’s NCS projects this year through its spring, summer and autumn schemes.
Caption: (front, from left) Oscar Govan-Greenacre, James Barker and Christopher Jackson are cheered on by fellow participants of the rowing challenge at Lammas Leisure Centre.