Organised by the Powys Community Safety Partnership – which includes the Youth Service, Dyfed Powys Police, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, Fire Service, Infantry Battle School, Senta, Sennybridge, Powys Schools Nursing team – the nine-day event promotes outdoor activities to help the participants gain confidence, self-esteem and reward them for avoiding the crime and anti-social behaviour route.
In the words of the Wild Camp’s organiser, PC Andy Pole, “This camp is about acknowledging that all young people have something to contribute to their communities. Our camp brings together young adults, encourages them to make good choices in life, offers them the opportunity to put something back into their community and teaches them to respect each other. This event celebrates probably the best camp so far and congratulates all those who took part and made it possible – especially by the efforts of individual members and our partner organisations.”
Chief Inspector Chris Curtis said: “Since it was launched three years ago, the ‘On the wild side’ programme has achieved a number of objectives in helping young adults such as improving their communication skills, confidence and understanding how their behaviour can impact on others.
“Our local businesses and communities share our aspirations for these teenagers’ futures. And because of the programme’s success, both the public and the Welsh Assembly Government have committed to support us run these camps in years to come.”
PC Andy Pole went on to say that all the teenagers who applied to come on the camp are exceptional individuals with vast untapped potential. He said: “Some are not making the most of their abilities in their current school, social or family situations and some are simply struggling with the pressures of day-to-day life. We try and challenge them both emotionally and physically beyond their comfort zones.
“We are all important role models and mentors to these kids and we hope this camp will help them make some positive choices about their lives and feel part of the communities they have been raised in. For a lot of these youngsters it’s a fresh start.”
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Pictures: Copyright of Dyfed Powys Police Authority
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The Powys Community Safety Partnership is multi-agency partnership consisting of Powys County Council, Dyfed-Powys Police, Powys Local Health Board, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Dyfed-Powys Police Authority together with other partners including Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, Youth Offending Service, Probation and Voluntary Sector and the Infantry Battle School, Brecon who are constantly striving to reduce crime and disorder thereby improving the quality of life for all those who work, live and visit the county.
2. This year’s young people came from the following areas: Brecon, Churchstoke, Clyro, Crickhowell, Glasbury, Guilsfield, Knighton, Llandrindod Wells, Llanidloes, Meifod, Newtown, Penybont (north) Presteigne, Rhayader, Sennybridge, Trecastle (south), Welshpool and Ystradgynlais
3. All activities will be based in stunning locations within Bannau Brycheiniog National Park offering 7 days of activities which will include camping, rafting, orienteering, abseiling, wildcamping and canoeing.
4. The project has been financed with grant funding Powys Community Safety Partnership and Dyfed Powys Police as well as huge local business support.