national citizen service
National Citizen Service is the Government's flagship programme for young people in England, that aims to promote a more cohesive, responsible and engaged society by bringing young people from very different backgrounds together to make a difference in their communities. The first pilot took place in 2011 and involved over 8,000 Year 11s.
In 2012 up to 30,000 young people will take part. Recognising the value of cadet training, the NCS team has invited 16 and 17 year old members of the Army Cadet Force to take part in a special pilot scheme that uses cadets’ normal activities towards many NCS objectives.
700 members of th Army Cadet Force and Combined Cadet Force (Army) are participating.
This is how the ACF stream will work:
Phase 1
Participate in normal ACF activities for the three months prior to annual camp. As a senior cadet you will be expected to have played a role in leading and mentoring younger cadets.
Phase 2
Attend ACF annual camp or a residential leadership course with an NCS theme. During camp, work on personal and social development (PSD) exercises through guided reflection sessions facilitated by a senior ACF adult volunteer.
Phase 3
Join other NCS participants from your community for a team test weekend in December and work together on a series of tasks and challenges to build and showcase your leadership and team skills, and to meet new people from around the country.
Phase 4
Time to reflect on what you learned during the programme and celebrate your achievements. You will receive the NCS certificate (signed by the Prime Minister!) and the NCS 2012 badge for your uniform. This is a great opportunity to be involved in a nationwide programme and will be a positive addition to your CV and college and university applications.
Cadets who are are at least 16 by 31 August 2012 and 18 or under on 31 August 2013, and live in England, are eligible for a place on this exciting scheme.
Please download our free NCS poster and display it at your detachment. You can also check out NCS on Facebook.
A special Cadet Forces' NCS Logbook has been created for participants in the 2012 pilot scheme.