My NCS Experience: Chloe’s Change It Review

Written by Chloe (she/her), who did a ‘Change It’ experience in Bristol.

3 min read

Been There, Slayed That is a weekly series where young people share a review of their NCS experience. This week we hear from Chloe! 
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1. Why did you decide to go on NCS?
I just wanted to get outdoors, put myself out of my comfort zone (which I definitely did!) and meet new people. I was also looking to conquer my fears of staying in a different environment away from home, and of doing outdoorsy and water activities — it’s safe to say I managed to do just that!

2. What did you most enjoy?
I enjoyed making new friends in my dorm room. The girls I stayed with were from my sixth form, but I had never spoken to them before. By the end of the week, we were all friends and made a WhatsApp group chat together. I loved that because I find it hard to make new friends but I did! So I was happy :)

3. What did you find challenging?
On the first night, I was finding everything challenging! I just wanted to go home. But I let my team leader know so he could help me out. I persevered and stayed the whole week.

Apart from that, I found the high ropes very challenging. Despite not doing the higher level, I was still shaking all over as I’m afraid of heights and falling, but I went all the way around and felt proud of myself afterwards. I was lucky that a new friend I had made went round with me, doing the obstacles before me, so I could watch her and learn it wasn’t so scary!

4. If you could do it all again, what's one thing you'd do differently?
If I could do it again, I’d give myself the advice that ‘of course it’s so overwhelming, but that does not mean I am incapable of pushing through. The worrying feelings will not last, so whatever I do, I should never give up’.

5. What memory from your NCS experience will stay with you for life?
I will always remember doing the ultimate assault course because not only was it so much fun, but I did something very silly! I was going down the water slide for the first time and knew I would plunge right under the cold water. So, I made sure to hold my nose and close my eyes but I forgot to close my mouth because I was screaming too much!! I was okay though, and it was a great experience. 

Oh, and I also jumped in the water at the end and faceplanted the big ball and ended up underwater… but even though I was very scared, I still did it! And for that, I am quite proud :).

6. If you had to sum up your NCS experience in three words, what would they be?
Exhilarating, eye-opening, adventure.

Chloe, any final thoughts?
It was a hard week… it really was! I came with two friends (whom to be honest I was not close with), so I felt lonely and uncomfortable with so many new people. By the first night, I didn’t think I would make it through the week. But through the motivation of my team leader, and my new teammates and friends, I pushed through, and by Friday I was sad to go home! NCS was amazing.
 

Want to sign up for an NCS experience? Grab your place today! Or if you’ve already been, tell us about it to be featured on the blog.