National Citizen Service – Opportunities for Teenagers
As a parent of two girls who are rapidly becoming young adults, it seems crazy to be thinking about them as proper grown ups. When children are asked what they want to do when they are older, it’s such a hard concept for them. As you know, it’s not until you have been out in the world and experienced some of what is on offer that you can really answer that.
One thing I know for sure is that having the confidence to join in with activities, to try new things and to work in a team with other people, are all key skills for being an adult, whatever job you end up doing.
My girls have been lucky enough to go on various school and Scout residential trips, so I know how much there is to gain from a few nights away from home and some adventurous challenges!
I am very pleased to have been asked to help promote the National Citizen Service (NCS) which offers both autumn and summer opportunities for teenagers. This sounds like a fantastic scheme for teens in the UK and exactly the sort of thing I would love my girls to get involved with in a few years time.
What is the NCS?
It is a Government backed programme, which has been established to help build a more cohesive, mobile and engaged society.
By bringing together young people from different backgrounds for a unique shared experience, NCS helps them to become better individuals, and in turn better citizens.
Who Can Take Part?
NCS is open to 15 to 17 year olds across England and Northern Ireland. The summer programmes lasts two or three weeks, which takes place in school holidays. There is also a shorter Autumn programme available.
Parts of the course are residential and include outdoor team-building exercises and a chance to learn ‘life skills’ such as first aid and preparing for job interviews.
A further element is a community-based social action project and finally an end of programme celebration event.
NATIONAL CITIZEN SERVICE PROGRAMME SUMMER 2021
What does it involve ? Join a 3 week programme and teens enjoy 4 days away from home adventure training. 5 days learning skills for the future plus 30 hours of social action on an issue. The 2 week programme does not include the residential adventure activities element.
Just £50 covers food, activities and accommodation during the four days teens spend away from home taking part in team building outward-bound activities, three – five days learning skills for their future, and their end of programme celebration event. NCS also includes:
• Getting involved in exciting activities
• Developing leadership skills
• Meeting incredible new friends
• A great boost to CVs & UCAS applications
• Giving back to local communities
What is so great about the scheme is that as it runs in different locations all over the UK. Even if you have some other commitments or holiday plans, NCS will endeavour to get your teen a spot on programme at a time that suits.
The course is also amazing value for money. The whole experience including food, accommodation and travel, costs is just £50 – so why not take a look at what is on offer by registering your teen onto the scheme. For more information click here to take a look at the NCS website.
Find a Place for Your Teen
So why not take a look now for the teenager in your family or share this post with someone you know who has a 16 or 17 year old who might be interested in taking part.
Your teenager will gain confidence and learn valuable life skills. The NCS programme packs in adventure activities, community projects and volunteering as well as the opportunity to make new friends and gain a once in a lifetime experience.
Give your teen the links to the website and encourage them to look on social media as well – motivate and inspire your teen this summer.
National Citizen Service – fantastic opportunities for teenagers
A once in a lifetime experience.
Follow NCS on these social media channels
If your teen likes outdoor adventures then why not try paddle boarding, there are lots of great placed to learn in Devon and Dorset.
This post has been sponsored in order to help raise awareness of the NCS programme. Photos have been provided.
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Hi! I am Clare and I live in glorious East Devon with my family.
Join me in finding new places to explore in the West Country as well as further afield.
I hope you enjoy reading and taking inspiration from this website. 
Ooh I might just look into this for my step son – thanks for sharing! #kcacols
Yes do – I passed the info on to my brother for his son who is the right age. It sounds great.
I absolutely love the idea of this, and I am sure my 8 year old would absolutely love it now. Although not sure how keen he would be at the right age!!!! It is so important for kids to actually get off their phones / computers and this is a really productive and educational thing for them to do, which I am sure they would all love. Great post #KCACOLS
Mine love Scouts and this seems like a grown up version!
I just heard of this for the first time earlier and it sounds like such a great scheme! I even went googling to see if it’s a thing in Wales but it doesn’t look like the pilot lead to anything concrete yet. I hope it does, or something similar, because the schemes we do have tend to be for younger kids / linked to the cadet forces. #KCACOLS
I’m not sure about Wales, it might be worth calling to ask. As the main parts of the scheme are residential I expect there would be something not too far away over the border!
I love the sound of this scheme and will bear it in mind when our 8yo is ready. A really good price too! #kcacols