Well, that’s one way of spending your summer break: Worthy projects for young people

Herts County Council’s Youth Connexions has supported 37 young people to take on community projects in the Three Rivers area as part of the National Citizen Service (NCS) summer programme.

The youngsters came from Abbots Langley, Kings Langley, Hemel Hempstead, Tring, Leavesden and other areas.

Projects included renovating the Rainbow Class playground at Colnbrook Primary School in South Oxhey.

Cabinet member for children’s Services for the council Richard Roberts said: “NCS provides young people with a great opportunity to make a difference for the community they live in. I would urge as many young people as possible to get involved.”

The four-week National Citizen Service (NCS) programme sees the young people choose a worthwhile community cause, plan and budget for the project, raise funds and carry out the work.

As well as learning how to successfully manage a community project, the young people also took part in team building exercises such as bush craft and high rope climbing, which developed their communication, trust, listening and leadership skills.

Comments from the participants included that it had taught them invaluable skills to prepare them for adulthood and that it made them feel good to be a part of something so special.