The Lothian and Borders battalion of the Army Cadet Force (ACF), together with local social workers and school staff, have provided another outreach programme to around 40 Hawick youngsters aged 11 to 12 years old.
The programme is a four-day team challenge and starts the minute the youngsters are off the bus.
They make their beds, get into team colours and are quickly collecting points through the navigation exercise, command tasks, climbing wall, inflatable obstacle course, stretcher movement and the ‘HeartStart’ first aid programme, before finishing the day with a run around various events at a local sports centre and a splash in the pool.
The rest of the programme includes learning camp craft, preparing them for a 12k walk and overnight camp in the Pentland Hills.
The young people are also introduced to some of the fun activities the ACF provides – from camouflage and concealment to observation tests and shelter building before settling into their tents for a night under canvas.
Every young person attending receives a medal, group photograph and their ‘HeartStart’ first aid certificate.
As well as the programme participants, five Hawick High School pupils and five senior cadets acted as role models, helping the volunteer adults to run the various activities.