The Essex Experience

The Essex Experience – September 2008

An exciting opportunity exists for young (or young at heart) adult volunteers (aged 18+) to take part in the Essex Experience, a project by Essex Scouts to allow young people (aged 12 –15) at risk of social exclusion the opportunity to try exciting and challenging activities.

Do you have young adults in your organisation, aged 18+, or do you know of any young adults, who could benefit from being a volunteer at the Essex Experience?

It is free to participate and the commitment would be from Monday 15th to Sunday 21st September 2008, as follows:

Monday 15th to Friday 19th September: Residential volunteer training course including teambuilding, leadership & communications skills, working with young people, first aid.
Evening Friday 19th to afternoon Sunday 21st September: Activity and camping weekend for 150 young people aged 12 – 15. Activities include abseiling, climbing, go-karting, canoeing, rafting, archery, air rifle shooting, arts & crafts.

Briefing Meetings

Potential volunteers are required to attend one of the following briefing meetings (further details will be sent with the application pack):

Tuesday 24th June, 7pm, Colchester.
Sunday 13th July, 2pm, Chelmsford.
Wednesday 16th July, 7pm, Basildon.

The Role of the Volunteers

The role of volunteers is to act as mentors to the young people during the activity weekend, camping with them, leading them through the activities and encouraging them to take part. Support, in the form of training, first aid, catering, logistics, site services and activities, is provided by a large team of Scout leaders and volunteers.

Volunteer Requirements

Enthusiasm; enjoy a challenge; can lead by example and deal with problems; a sense of fun; willingness to deal with challenging behaviour from young people; can cope with camping for three nights; willingness to make friends and work as part of a team.

Benefits to the Volunteers

These include: gain a greater understanding of young people, develop leadership & teamwork skills, improve interpersonal and organisational skills, gain outdoor practical skills, experience new activities, take responsibility, increase self confidence, gain first aid skills.

D of E Gold Award

For those undertaking the Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award, the Essex Experience can be used as the residential project.

Location

Skreens Park, Roxwell (CM1 4NN), 5 miles from the centre of Chelmsford.

Further Information

For further information and an application pack, please contact Claire Fielder, Community Development Officer for Essex Scouts, on 01702 216768 or e-mail: .

A brochure for potential volunteers, and photos from previous events are available on this website.

Please pass this information on to anyone you think might be interested. Thank you!

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