October 2012 saw Greenshoots set off with an intrepid group of 23 young people from all over Nottinghamshire to Whitemoor Lakes in Lichfield. They joined about 60 others from Notts and Leicester to experience a wide range of exciting activities. The daytime fun included chances to take part in canoeing, rock climbing, fencing, high ropes, raft building, wild life talks, problem solving, archery and falconry. Not only did our groups throw themselves whole heartedly into every task but they astonished us by still having the energy to take part in workshops in Dance, Fashion design, Film making, Singing, five-aside football not to mention bopping away to the last night disco !!! Phew !! It's tired me out just typing it all up !! After making loads of new friends the group are now following up the residential, for their National Citizen Service social action, by organising and performing in a creative Arts show which will raise money for more young people who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to take part in more of these workshops in the future. We'll let you all know when it's going to happen and see you all there !!

MAKING NEW FRIENDS

For many young people something like the NCS residential is their first experience away from home without their parents. Zara Mahmood (aged 16) from Wollaton, who attends Bilborough College said " I was really nervous at first É.nobody knew each other, but now we're all best friends"

TRY SOMETHING NEW

There are lots of opportunities to try something out of the ordinary. Louise Limb (aged 16) said "I've gained in confidence and done things I never thought I would ever do" - especially true when we watched a talk about birds of prey and a Hawk landed on her head !!