The youngsters learn survival techniques

07 September 2009

It was SAS-GO for a group of youngsters after officers from the South Yarmouth Safer Neighbourhood Team took part in a confidence building exercise at an adventure survival camp.

Seven young people from the local area attended a day trip to SAS-GO in Swardeston, near Norwich, on Tuesday, September 1.

The trip aimed to build on young people's skills of team work, trust, respect for others and the environment and improving self-confidence. The day was spent taking part in different activities such as shelter building, orienteering, and camouflage and concealment.

The group, all from the South Yarmouth neighbourhood, were a mixture of young people who had been, or are currently subject to an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) and their brothers or sisters who have not been in trouble.

Sgt Dan Smith, from the South Yarmouth SNT, said the trip provided police with a valuable opportunity to engage with young people and was not about rewarding those who had got into trouble.

He said: “I do not believe in rewarding bad behaviour. However, I do believe in showing people there are goals to work towards. The day was about increasing the confidence of the young people which has improved the level of respect they have for others and the environment.”

Youngsters thoroughly enjoyed the day with several keen to return for a second trip.

Sgt Smith added: “All of the young people asked if they could go again and we are keen to work with the young people to find ways they can earn a second trip.”