Teenagers get a taste of Army life
A group of Wolverhampton and Staffordshire teenagers took part in a military camp, working alongside soldiers to learn new skills and how to deal with tough situations.
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The initiative saw West Midlands Police working alongside soldiers from the Army’s 16 Signal Regiment and West Midlands Brigade to put the 14 and 15-year-olds through their paces.
More than 30 young people were involved in a range of Army-based activities around team-building, communication and self-discipline as part of the five day Life Maps programme.
It included being taught by soldiers how to build a shelter, cook with army ration packs, hide with camouflage and carry out a vehicle checkpoint.
They also spent time sleeping under the stars, completed an assault course, and took part in drills and inspections.
Officers from West Midlands Police helped co-ordinate the programme led by an experienced military officer at Swynnerton Army Camp, finishing with a Passing Out Parade.
Dc Danny Wilson, based at Perry Barr, said: "We worked with school staff to identify those who we felt would benefit from the army camp experience.
"The range of activities helped them to learn individual and team-working skills, while the regimented approach highlighted the importance of self-discipline.
"We want to help young people to raise their aspirations and get a better understanding of dealing with difficult situations; taking responsibility for their actions and making the right choices.
"It was certainly no ’holiday camp’ but the feedback we received was that the teenagers had learned a lot from the programme."