David Warburton MP for Somerton and Frome is encouraging local teenagers to take part in the National Citizen Service (NCS) this summer.
Launched in 2011, NCS is a four-week programme that gives 16 and 17-year olds a unique opportunity to build skills for work and life while taking on new challenges and adventures, building confidence and making friends.
NCS takes place over the school holidays in summer, autumn and spring. To date more than 200,000 teenagers have taken part in NCS and 3.3 million hours have been dedicated by NCS graduates to social action projects helping to improve their local communities.
The programme is government-backed, meaning that each participant pays only £50 towards their 4-week residential course.
Week 1: Adventure takes place at an outdoor activity centre where teams of 12- 15 teenagers join together to experience adrenalin-challenging activities such as canoeing, rock-climbing, hiking and archery. Week 2: Skills offers University-style accommodation where teens can build vital life skills including teamwork, leadership and communication as well as learning how to cook for themselves and cope with confidence in a college-like environment. Weeks 3 and 4: Social Action, during which NCS students plan and deliver their very own fundraising Social Action project.
David Warburton MP said: “I’m delighted that NCS is once again available to Somerset teenagers this year and I’m writing to schools to encourage students to sign up for this fantastic programme.
“It’s a brilliant chance for young people not only to gain confidence and important life skills but also to have a huge amount of fun and try out some exciting new challenges during their summer holidays. At £50 for the whole programme, it really is extremely cost-effective, too, and I’d encourage every local 16 and 17 year old to grab this unique opportunity.”
For more information about NCS in Somerton and Frome, contact the NCS West team on 0117 930 3030 or visit www.ncswest.co.uk.