Young Leaders Residential Trips

In February 2017, 23 young people and five staff members went to PGL-Liddington for a weekend of fun-filled activities including zip wire, archery, giant swing and aeroball.  Young people were able to gain new skills and obtain an Entry Level Leadership Qualification and looked to further develop and use their skills by volunteering within the community.

In November 2017, 17 young people (aged 11-16 years old) spent a weekend away at PGL Liddington in Swindon.  Accompanied by four staff members, the young people had the chance to partake in a variety of activities throughout the weekend while gaining an entry level Leadership Qualification.  Activities included; aero ball, challenge course, mountain biking and abseiling, just to name a few. ’’It was absolutely amazing to watch the young people encourage and support each other throughout the weekend,’’ said youth worker Jo Madden.  ’’To see them come together and use their own initiative to work as a team and participate in activities was so rewarding.’’  Throughout the course participants were provided with opportunities and support to improve key skills, with a focus on confidence, communication, planning, problem solving, resilience, teamwork and of course leadership.  As part of the qualification, participants have been encouraged to embed their learning through volunteering and/or social action projects.  This gives participants the chance to utilise everything that they have learned with a key focus on leading and teamwork, further their personal development and create greater ties within their local community. The young people on the trip found it to be a challenging yet rewarding experience and are already encouraging other young people from the BYCP to join in on the next leadership program in 2018. 

BYCP in partnership with Berkshire Youth (BY) have been working together with the view of helping 13 young people to become young leaders within the club and its projects.  They have worked towards a level one leadership qualification by participating in activities such as; archery, challenge course, pioneering, low ropes, swimming, sports and games. The first young leaders residential took place in May 2018 at Woodrow High House in Amersham.  From this group of 13 young people, the youth board at BYCP has been formed.  The summer coastal residential took place in August 2018 at PGL Osmington Bay in Weymouth where an additional 18 young people (aged 11+) were invited along with the 13 young leaders who were invited to oversee this residential alongside staff.  Lastly, these young leaders will be invited to become Youth Health Champions with the completion of a level two qualification.