National Citizen Service (NCS) – Why it is a must for your Teen is a paid collaboration in conjunction with @Tots100 and National Citizen Service (NCS). Have you heard of the National Citizen Service yet? Well if like me you have a teenager then the NCS will definitely be of interest to you and your child. Everyone that I know that has done it wished that they could do it more than once and that it is a right of passage for all young people today. Hey, the whole experience including food, accommodation and travel costs just £50 and bursaries are available on a case by case basis. Plus a massive bonus that that additional support is also provided for young people with additional needs and that they are not excluded (hooray)! Also what is not to like about getting your teen out of bed before noon over the summer holidays?
What is NCS?
National Citizenship Service (NCS) is a way for 16 and 17-year-olds living in England and Northern Ireland to make extraordinary friendships, learn new skills and create unforgettable memories. The inspiring government-backed programme is an opportunity for young people to shape their future and challenges them to give something back to their community.
Established in 2011 the NCS is designed to take place in school holidays and includes outdoor team building exercises, a residential and a community based social action project followed by a celebration at the end of the program. It is a fantastic experience for your child and over seven million hours of community projects have been completed to date.
The summer program consists of a 3/4 week program but not necessarily in consecutive order. There are breaks in between, therefore, holidays and previous commitments make be able to be catered for. Typically in week one, your teenager will live away from home for a five-day residential to complete outdoor team building activities (anything from rock climbing to hiking and archery). In week two, your teenager will embrace independent living, typically in university campus dorms or uni-style halls. For the social action phase – weeks three and four – your teenager will return to their local area and give something back to their community.
Why take part in NCS?
Well as a parent it is a total no-brainer and a great way to deal with teen inertia. Your child gets some fantastic experience learning life skills, responsibility and team building. Plus it is a really inexpensive way to keep them occupied and off their screens over the summer all for £50 including food (my boys cost more than that to feed for just one week)!
What is in it for my teenager? Talking to teens I know that have taken part what struck me was the fact that they felt really inspired and that they could make a difference. NCS is a great way to tak ownership of something and prove to their parents that they could be responsible and have fun at the same time. It is a great way of getting to know new people and make friends in a different social setting. Plus it is recognised by UCAS so perfect for any university applications. It is also worth noting that you can do both NCS and Duke of Edinburgh.
But don’t just take my word for it – I asked one of the people I know who has been on NCS what their thoughts were.
“I really enjoyed NCS. The range of activities that are on offer are amazing the instructors are truly amazing and help you with anything and also have a laugh with you also, the friends I made there are people who I still interact with now the two and a half weeks of NCS were possibly the best times if my life and I miss it so much and would recommend it to anyone” Max (attended NCS at 16)
His Mum also could see just what Max had gained from attending MCS
“His growth in confidence and character was quite amazing. He’s made friends for life and for £50 I don’t believe there would be any organised activity that could prove better value.” “The charity work they do is so good. It makes the kids aware of their area and it’s needs. How many 16 year olds would litter pick or paint for nothing. Max’s group supported SARA and did a cake stall. It was an eye opener for them all.” – Mandy (Max’s Mum)
There are still places on the NCS summer course so visit the NCS website now and reserve your spot.
There are still places available for Year 11s to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity this summer. To sign up now, go to the NCS website.
Disclosure: National Citizen Service (NCS) – Why it is a must for your Teen is a paid collaboration in conjunction with @Tots100 and National Citizen Service (NCS)
NCS is truly a great experience for teenagers. They get to learn many skills and develop a sense of respobsibility.
My son is going on his own so he’s a little concerned that he will be on his own the whole time. I have told him that the leaders/tutors are there to ensure that this isn’t the case and that all are involved. I said that you make feel a little awkward for a short while but by the time you get off the coach at the other end you will have made friends.
My son is doing NCS this year. I think that it is a fantastic opportunity for him. He is extremely shy and can be a little withdrawn so I thought that this would bring him out of his shell a little.