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National Citizen Service is a life changing experience for 16 and 17 year olds in England (it is also open to 15-16 year olds in Northern Ireland) – you do outdoor activities, meet new people and have the chance to put something back. By doing NCS you learn new skills and have a great experience that looks great on CVs, and applications to universities and colleges.
This summer thousands of young people took part in NCS. They all met lots of new people and enjoyed exciting outdoor activities like canoeing and rock-climbing in a week away from home. In their second week when they returned to their community they had a great time learning new skills with businesses and other organisations alongside their new friends. After this, they created their own project about something that they really cared about in their local area - and then delivered it.
To see some of their stories and all things NCS, check out our Facebook page here
NCS is not just a programme for the summer, if you missed out this summer then there are places available this autumn!
NCS brings people together from different backgrounds to tackle an outdoor challenge, develop their skills and deliver a project to make a difference in the community. The programme runs over October half term (week commencing 24th October) and on selected weekends until 14th December when you will work with your team to leave your mark on your community. Here’s a guide to the programme:
Residential Week -
Leave home for the October Half Term and head to the great outdoors with your team. Whatever your action packed adventure week involves – be it rafting, climbing or trekking – it’ll be challenging and fun. You will learn loads about yourself and make new friends too.
After you have met your team you will go back to your community to enjoy many opportunities over evenings and weekends
Skills Building -
You’ll be in your local area developing a new skill – maybe music, drama or sport – and learning about what makes your local area tick. You’ll be doing all this with the help of local businesses, leaders and other organisations.
Make a real difference to your local area with your team -
Here you’ll have the chance to put what you’ve learnt into action and make a difference. You will design a project that will make your local area a better place to live and pitch the idea to a Dragons’ Den-style panel. And you won’t just plan something – you’ll have the chance to work with your team to do it.
Celebration Weekend -
A day to come together with other NCS graduates from around the country to put what you’ve learnt into practice through loads of challenges and competitions.
Graduation -
If you have achieved all this, you deserve some respect. So it’s your turn to put on some smart clothes for your graduation. You’ll get a certificate signed by the Prime Minister to recognise what you’ve achieved. And as an NCS graduate you’ll have loads of new opportunities – from training opportunities and big events to the chance to continue your adventure overseas on International Citizen Service – as well as lifelong friendships.
Last year 600 lucky NCS graduates got to come to an exclusive party at the O2 Academy in London – watch out for something similar this year. Like NCS on Facebook here to keep up to date with what the NCS Graduates have been up to.
Get involved today!
My son Matthew Walker completed NCS. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and made many new friends from all walks of life. He now has a totally different outlook and the confidence to think about going on to university, something Matthew had never mentioned before. For the price we paid this has been exceptionally good value. I can't thank NCS enough for giving him the confidence to believe in himself. I will certainly be encouraging my other son to do NCS this summer.
Tracey Walker, Coventry
My daughter had an amazing time! She learned such a lot from her experience – plus it’s something great to add to her CV and could help her in the future. We were a little worried before she went as it was her first time away from home with people she didn’t know, but she has really grown and we have a lot of confidence in the programme.
Johni Mathai, London
National Citizen Service has created lots of opportunities for young people to make new friends, gain new skills and make a difference in their local communities. It lets young people try new things and challenge themselves in ways that they may not have done before. Not only do they get the opportunity to build up their self-confidence and self-belief and but also enjoy a summer packed full of fun and laughter!
Zoe Payne, Development Worker, Young Devon
Being an NCS mentor was a great a way to spend my summer. I got to help 10 young people grow as individuals and form a strong bond as a group. The team chose a social action project that they were passionate about, so as a mentor it gave me great encouragement that they were so committed to the cause. Now that all of my team have graduated, it gives me great pride that they have achieved so much over the summer.
Phil Everett, Lincolnshire and Rutland EBP
At Dulwich College we are always looking for new and exciting ways in which to engage our pupils in service in the community. As such, we are proud to support the work NCS does with young people in our borough, and are confident that this programme will enhance their opportunities later in life.
Dr Joe Spence, Dulwich College
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