Kielder Camp Provides Testing Challenge to our Young Volunteers

Young Volunteers at the Kielder Camp

Castle Morpeth Borough Council recently organised a camp in the stunning scenic surroundings offered at Kielder Water & Forest Park, for thirteen students from

King Edward VI & Ponteland High Schools, all of whom are active volunteers in the County Step into Sport scheme this year.

The aim of the camp was to;

Further develop Leadership & Team Work skills and
Further develop Organisational & Improvisational skills

Each day in the Camp consisted of;

Day 1: The students were asked to ‘build’ a camp suitable for them to stay for the 3 days. They then had to catch their own tea, from which they were fortunate to catch 6 fish to cook on the BBQ to finish off the day.
Day 2: Students split into 2 teams to take part in problem solving/team building activities and kayaking activities. Kayaking was provided by the Hawkhirst Centre & Northumberland Adventures provided the team building activities. Teams were then scored on their ability to work as a team by Northumberland Adventures with both groups doing really well by receiving extremely high scores at 75% & 81% respectively. The average score for these activities is 62% so both well above the norm! Kayaking was aimed at improving their organisational & improvisational skills.
Day 3: Students had to deconstruct the camp before returning home after a challenging & rewarding few days.

Ben Thompson, Community Sports Coach and Camp Supervisor from Castle Morpeth Borough Council said “The 3 day camp proved to be hugely popular and enjoyable amongst the students, who managed to further develop their skills in a very challenging environment, especially where there were occasions when the weather was not conducive for a summer camp. We hope they will now be able to use these skills and utilise them in their everyday lives.”

Northumberland Sport will continue to support these innovative approaches to support the development of our young volunteers in the county