Over a 3 week period the students engaged in team building exercises, sports and activities, two residential visits and projects to help members of local communities.

Reuben Cassidy really enjoyed the experience; “During our first week in Doncaster we stayed in log cabins. We were taught to be resourceful in an outdoor environment, making camp fires and producing tea from stinging nettles. The High Ropes, Rafting and Kayaking were all great fun. There were people from all over the country in my group and by taking part in team building and problem solving tasks I got to know them well.”

Groups were based at the University of Essex in Colchester for the second week and Ashley Howard was pleased with the amount of responsibly given to students; “We each had a budget for food given to us and our own rooms which we had to look after.” During the university stay, groups strategically planned a charity event to be held on the third week.

“My group raised money to enable us to take food to residents of Mundy House Care Home. We also assisted by doing jobs which included painting a shed.” Reuben

“I helped organise a cake sale for charity, with proceeds going to St Nicholas Church in Laindon. The whole experience was really beneficial to me. I met new friends and was able to get my opinions across in a team. I built up confidence to talk to new people.” Ashley.

Liviu Verman highly recommends the programme; “The activities took me out of my comfort zone and the challenges allow for people to really stretch their abilities. If anyone has the opportunity to take part in the NCS programme they should. It was a brilliant experience.”

For more information about NCS programmes visit: www.ncsthechallenge.org/