Iolo Williams was also joined by Chris Gledhill, Chief
Executive of BBNPA, Jon Cook, Sustainable Communities Officer for BBNPA and
Community Beat Officer PC Andy Pole as they pledged support for an innovative
new Youth Adventure Camp to be held next week during National Parks’ Week.
The Powys Community Safety Partnership, along with Army
Headquarters 160 (WALES) Brigade, the Gurkha Demonstration Company and the
Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) have organised the first-of-its-kind Youth
Adventure Camp – appropriately named ‘on the wild side’ – designed to offer
disadvantaged teens an unforgettable summer experience focusing on the
environment, character development, team building, and community spirit.
Thirty teenagers will enjoy putting their team skills to the
test by undertaking various outdoor activities in amongst some of Wales’ finest
scenery. They will also complete a
series of conservation tasks and other exciting sports and recreational
activities providing environmental awareness ethics, vital life skills and
self-discovery opportunities.
The week long adventure, sponsored by the Powys Community
Safety Partnership and the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
‘Crossing Park Boundaries’ Fund is
fittingly due to take place during National Parks’ Week (30 July – 3rd August)
and the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park’s
50th Anniversary.
Iolo Williams pledged his support for the camp by saying:
“This is a fantastic project where everyone has come together to give these
teenagers an opportunity that they would normally not have a chance to
experience. The camp will give them the
confidence to make informed choices about the environment around them, their
personal goals and their professional goals.
Y ou couldn’t ask for a better location than the Bannau Brycheiniog
National Park to hold
this type of adventure.”
Ryan Griffiths, aged 16 from Brecon High School
said: ” I am hoping to pursue a
career as an instructor for the ACF Army Cadets so I am hoping that this camp
will give me and others the self-confidence to do it.”
Toya Waddon, aged 15 from Brecon High School added: “I am looking forward to meeting new
people on the camp, getting wet and muddy but most of all enjoying
myself.”
PC Andy Pole, Youth Camp Organiser and Community Beat
Officer for Dyfed Powys Police said:
“This is an opportunity to provide a partnership approach to support
young people in the Powys area. It is our intention to expose these young
people to new experiences and enable them to boost their confidence, self
esteem and team building skills.
I feel this will have a positive impact on our communities
and provide a sustainable approach to working with our partners and young
people. I look forward to sharing the fun and watching these young people
develop over the week.”
Jon Cook, Sustainable Communities Officer for Bannau Brycheiniog
National Park Authority said:
“Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority has a strong commitment to
community development and promoting enjoyment so it couldn’t be more
appropriate that this youth camp is held during our 50th Anniversary year and
National Parks’ Week.”