INFO PACK

WELCOME TOYOUR NATIONAL CITIZEN SERVICEThis information pack is full of useful informationfor yourself and your parents/guardians. It will tell you everything you need to know about taking the next step and undertaking your National Citizen Service (NCS).

If after reading this you are still unclear about any parts of the programme please do contact us. The numbers of the Hampshire coordinators are on the back of your information pack.

We hope you are as excited as we are about this summer’s NCS programme!

YOUR NCS PROGRAMMENCS is made up of three main sections:

the Personal Challenge, the Team Challenge,and the Real Challenge. In completing all

three challenges you will

Do things you never imagined you would do

Meet people you would never have normally met

Build life-long friendships

Develop invaluable skills

Make a real difference to your community

!WEEK 1: THE PERSONAL CHALLENGE!RESIDENTIAL LOCATION:During the first week of NCS you will bestaying in one of the following locations:

Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde Bay – North Devon – Camping

Falmouth University – South Cornwall – University Halls

Carreglwyd Campsite - Gower Peninsula - Wales

ACTIVITY:Each day you will be challenged in different ways undertaking activities such as surfing, climbing and coasteering. You will face individual challenges but have the support of team mates to help you overcome any fears you may have. No team will make it through this demanding experiencing without mastering the art of communication and encouraging one another, making lifelong friends along the way.

WEEK 2: THE TEAM CHALLENGE ACCOMMODATION LOCATION:

Norman Court School, West Tytherley.

ACTIVITY:The second week is based closer to your local community. Individuals and their teams will face the initial challenge of staying in accommodation whilst budgeting and catering for

themselves – a real taste of independence. During this week your team will undertake a different workshop each day in order to learn skills that may help you with your social

action project. These workshops could be based on any of the following:

The Media

Sports Coaching

Wood Work & Carpentry

The Performing Arts

Food Tech & Cookery

Art & Textiles

By partaking in these workshops you and your team will discover and learn more about your local communities, get involved in some volunteering and work together to begin

formulating your social action project. At the end of the week each team will have a clearer understanding of their community and how they can make a positive difference to it.

WEEK 3: Social action

planningLOCATION

Local Venue

ACTIVITY:This is the planning and

preparation phase for your social action project.

Your leaders will be on hand to help, but it is up to the teams themselves

to decide what to do, plan how to do it and present the idea to a

panel of experts.

Once your team’s idea has been given the go

ahead, expertise will be on hand to help develop

the skills required to execute your social

action project.

Previous projectshave included:

Regenerating gardens

Renovatingcare homes

Supporting a terminally illchild’s wish

Painting and decorating a

children’s home

Creating acharity single

WEEK 4: social action deliveryLOCATION:Local Community

ACTIVITY:This is the culmination of all of your work. Depending on your social action, this can take as little as a week or be spread out over a longer period of time. You and your team mates will each give 30 hours of your time to deliver your project and make it come to life.

GraduationIn the autumn, each participant will attend an official graduation ceremony after completing all four parts of the challenge. You will receive a graduation certificate at the ceremony which you will attend with your close family and the members of the community that you worked with over the summer.

What’s next after graduation?Completing the summer is only the beginning. Once you graduate you become a member of Footprint. This is our alumni association. There will be on-going opportunities to remain

involved in NCS through events, activities and potentially as a Team Leader for future NCS programmes. Being a part of Footprint will also help you keep in touch with your new

friends. Depending on the opportunities you choose, and where your continued NCS journey takes you, you will be eligible for further recognition which is great for your CV.

Getting PackedWeek 1 Packing list:We will provide all specialist equipment

such as wetsuits, surfboards, helmets andlifejackets, therefore you only need to bringpersonal belongings (if you have your ownfull length wet suit, feel free to bring it). You

will be provided with 1 NCS hoodie and 2NCS t-shirts, and we will expect you to wearyour NCS tops whenever you are outside ofyour accommodation. Please take this intoconsideration when packing. Also considerthe weather closer to the time of your trip.

For those of you camping, we suggestbringing a few extra layers. However,

you will be given a FREE three-seasonsleeping bag and sleeping mat.

Clothing (a guide)Thick and thin socks

2 pairs of trainers (1 wet pair)

Flip-Flops (ideal on the beach)

Trousers (preferably not jeans)

Shorts

Underwear

Swimwear

Extra T-shirts or thermal tops

Sweatshirts or jumpers

Jacket/Coat (preferably waterproof)

Pyjamas

Remember, this is NOT a fashion show!Therefore you will NOT need expensive

designer clothing! You WILL need practicalclothing, that’ll keep you warm and comfortable.

Luggage:1 large travel bag (suitcase)

1 day bag (rucksack)

OTHER ESSENTIALS:

During the first week, every meal will be provided for you, apart from lunch on the Monday whilst traveling to your residential locations. Please bring either a packed lunch in a bag that you can throw away or money so you can buy lunch on route. You will not require any money from this point onwards. However, there will be times when you’ll be given the option to buy ice cream and snacks, therefore feel free to bring a small amount of money if you wish.

SUNCREAM!!! (We recommend SPF 30+)

Towel & Toiletries

Toothpaste & Toothbrush

Shampoo & Conditioner

Shower gel (soap)

Deodorant

Torch or Head Torch

Prescribed medication (if needed)

Anything else you might require

MOBILE PHONES & ELECTRIC DEVICES:You are allowed to bring your mobile phone and you will be able to use it when activities are NOT taking place. Please note that you will be spending a large amount of time on the beach and/or around water. Your phone will become solely your responsibility.

Also consider the fact that you will be in the countryside, therefore mobile reception will be very poor. For those of you camping please be aware that you may not be able to charge your phone. Any external battery pack that you might want to bring, again will become your responsibility. We do NOT advise that you bring any other electrical equipment such as a Gameboy, iPad, Laptop, PSP or Kindle. Cameras are optional, again your responsibility.

You will not need hairdryers, straighteners or curling tongs! You’re in and out of the sea all day, you will not have time to do your hair and if you’re camping you’ll have no power.

Non-Essentials:Notepad and pen

Sunglasses

Blister kit

Gloves

Playing cards

Insect repellent

Books or magazines

Painkillers and/or Hay Fever tablets

Week 2 Packing list:You will be staying at Norman Court School

for this week. You will be required to wear your NCS T-shirt at all times when outside of

the accommodation. The days will be long, therefore ensure you’re in comfortable clothing.

Clothing (a guide)Socks

Comfortable shoes

Shorts & Trousers

Underwear

Swimwear (just incase)

T-shirts

Sweatshirts or jumpers

Jacket/Coat (preferably waterproof)

Pyjamas

Luggage:1 large travel bag (suitcase)

1 day bag (rucksack)

Other Essentials:

Lunch on Monday will not be provided, therefore you will need to supply your own or bring some money to buy something. You will then receive a budget to cook for your team during the week. Therefore you won’t require any money but you will be given

opportunities to by ice cream and snacks if you wish to bring a small amount of cash.

Suncream Shampoo & Conditioner Towel & Toiletries Shower gel

Deodorant Toothpaste & Toothbrush Prescribed medication Anything else

Mobile Phones:Same rules apply as in the previous week. You are allowed to bring your phone but you’re not allowed to use it during workshops unless your tutor states otherwise.

Non-Essentials:Notepad and pen

Sunglasses

Blister kit

Camera

Gloves

Insect repellent

Books or magazines

Painkillers and/or Hay Fever tablets

SafetyWe take the safety of our participants very seriously. We work with highly experienced

partners, employ fully trained staff and comply with all relevant legislation. We also require all young people and staff to follow a simple code of conduct.

our commitmentsHighly Experienced Partners:

We only work with groups, companies, and individuals that have been recognisedby Hampshire County Council as being fully qualified to work with Hampshire Schools

and Colleges. We are based in education and thus ensure that we work only withpartners and organisations that can make Footprint Hants the most rewarding

and valuable experience for our participants.

Fully Trained StaffDuring all activities young people are accompanied. Staffing ratios exceed recommended

levels at all times including those specified in the Governments’ ‘Education outside the Classroom’ guidelines. All staff are fully trained in all activities that they deliver.

Compliance with all Relevant LegislationWe comply fully with all relevant legislation and, where appropriate all of our outdoor

activity partners are licensed under the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations 1996. We produce detailed risk assessments for all activities. All staff are trained to identify,

recognise and mitigate any risks that arise during the programme.

Participant ResponsibilitiesYoung people are responsible for following our simple code of conduct during their NCS. If a young person seriously or persistently breaks this code of conduct then we will have to ask them to leave NCS. In this eventuality the young person at question will be asked to

return home at his or her own cost.

Code of Conduct for Young PeopleNational Citizens Service is all about challenging and pushing yourself. To make this

happen safely we have a code of conduct which we expect everyone to follow:

Follow safety rules and the law

Only leave the site with a leader. Staff must know where you are at all times

No going in others people’s rooms, flats or tents

No alcohol or illegal drugs

Respect and include other people

Challenge yourself (in other words, take part!)

If you seriously or persistently break this code of conduct then we will have to ask you to leave NCS. In this eventuality you will have to return home at your own cost.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhich meals are provided?

During week 1 you will receive a choice of a cooked or continental breakfast every day. You will then receive a packed lunch to take with you to your activity and a hot meal for dinner.

During week 2 you will receive a budget to shop and cook for yourselves each day. It’s often tradition to have a BBQ night if the weather proves accommodating. History has also proven that if your team budgets accordingly, you can treat the team to a meal on Thursday night.

During week 3 and 4 it will become your own responsibility to provide lunch.

Does NCS cost me anything?Yes. To successfully register for a place on NCS you must include a non-refundable

booking fee of £50. The total worth of this government funded programme is in excessof £1400. If, due to personal circumstances you cannot afford the initial £50 fee,

you can contact your local coordinator for help.

Are all costs included?Yes. All costs are included and you do not need to bring any money. However, there may

be some opportunities to buy ice creams, sweets, snacks, etc. so you are welcome to bring some cash if you want to. We suggest a maximum of £10.

Where will I stay at night?During week 1 you will either stay at Falmouth University, Ruda Campsite in Croyde or

Carreglwyd Campsite in Wales. If you’re staying in University Halls you will have your own room in a flat that you’ll be sharing with 4 - 6 other young people and 1 leader. Campers will share a

large 6-man tent complete with a very reasonable social area with 3 other young people.

During week 2 you will stay at Norman Court School, West Tytherley.You will be staying in either bunkhouse’s or camping in the grounds.

Please be aware that all types of accommodation are single sex ONLY!

You will not be allowed in anyone else’s rooms, halls or tents!

During week 3 and 4 you will be staying at home.

What are the facilities like?Ruda Campsite, Croyde is a traditional holiday resort with clean public toilet and

shower blocks. Directly over the road is Croyde Bay, which the campsite overlooks.The resort also has a shop, restaurant and café on site where you will eat breakfast

and dinner. You will be sharing a large 6 man tent between 4 people.

Falmouth University is a newly built campus in the south of Cornwall. Eachroom comes with a double bed and en-suite shower room. The campus is

located at the top of a hill overlooking the town. There is a shop and refectoryonsite where you will eat your breakfast and dinner.

Carreglwyd Campsite is situated in Port Eynon on the Gower Peninsula, Wales.It is a 15 acre site and overlooks a lovely bay on the South Gower coast.

How will I travel during The Challenge?There will be a designated drop off point for away residential departure and returns. It will

be the responsibility of each participant, to get him or herself to this location at the allocated time. You will then travel via coach or mini-bus to all activities for the following week. You will then be given an estimated time of arrival back at the same drop off point you left from on

the Friday. It will then become your responsibility to get home from that location. Travel arrangements in weeks 3 and 4 will be confirmed during week 1 of the programme.

Should I insure personal belongings?All costs are covered on the programme but we are not able to insure personalbelongings. For this reason, we recommend that you do not bring expensive

pieces of equipment or jewellery.

Can this count toward my Duke of Edinburgh Award?Yes, Hampshire County Council recognises NCS. As such, NCS can count towards the

volunteering sections of the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, and the residential sectionof the Gold Award. If you are working towards a Duke of Edinburgh award and would like NCS to count towards this, please make sure you let us know this before the start of NCS.

In order for NCS to count towards your Duke of Edinburgh you need to have turned 16before you start NCS and register separately with your local Duke of Edinburgh

group, no later than three months after you start NCS

If you have not registered yet you can find out how to do so by visiting www.dofe.org

Completing NCS and taking part in future volunteering events will help you tocontinue gaining the hours needed to complete the volunteering sections of the

Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

Can parents and guardians visit during NCS?All parents and guardians are invited to attend the Graduation Ceremony. However, we’d prefer for all parents and guardians not to visit during the challenge weeks, as gaining

independence and responsibility away from home is a large part of the NCS experience.

What happens if I am homesick?Should you become homesick our main concern will be your long-term happiness. We will discuss the issue with you and with your parent/guardian and do all we can

to help you complete your NCS.

Contact InformationNCS Hants . The Mountbatten School . Whitenap Lane . Romsey . SO51 5SY

OFFICE TEL: 01794 510 225ANNA MOB: 07949 948 180

DANNY MOB: 07950 371 104PAT MOB: 07950 370 640

www.footprinthants.co.uk

@footprinthants

Last years hash tag - #HantsBants14

This years hash tag - #HantsBants15

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summer 2015 dates sheet

22nd June

CROYDE - Camping - 60GOWER - Camping - 60

29th June

CROYDE - Camping - 60GOWER - Camping - 60

FALMOUTH - Uni Halls - 120

06th July

CROYDE - Camping - 60GOWER - Camping - 60

FALMOUTH - Uni Halls - 120

13th July

CROYDE - Camping - 60GOWER - Camping - 60

FALMOUTH - Uni Halls - 120

20th July

CROYDE - Camping - 60GOWER - Camping - 60

FALMOUTH - Uni Halls - 120

27th July

CROYDE - Camping - 60

Let the

countdow

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begin!

April

January

February

March

May

June

July

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