My NCS Experience: Dan

With Summer ‘22 just around the corner, you might be wondering what your experience is really going to be like. Well wonder no longer, take it from the people who have been there, done that, got the t-shirt (literally!). This is Dan’s story…

I attended NCS during the summer of 2021. I had just moved to a new city and my foster parents recommended NCS to me. I was feeling quite anxious and nervous before it started but it really helped with my confidence. I met some amazing people in those two weeks, who I still talk to, to this day. 
 
During the first week  we went canoeing and raft building. Everyone wore sensible clothing…well, everyone but me! I didn’t think I would get wet so I went in a tracksuit and then everyone jumped into the lake! We also did adventure climbing at Bournemouth Activity Centre. So many of us found out we had - and then beat - fears of heights.

    
 
During the second week we were grouped up to help the public. My group decided to do a charity walk while picking up rubbish. And on the way back we also joined another group and helped them with their charity cake sale. We stayed at Bournemouth University halls, which felt strange at first but I did enjoy it and it helped with my independence. And then at the end of NCS we had an end party which was amazing! 

 
I then went on to be one of the first teenagers in the UK to do Changemakers which I felt nervous to do at first. We went on to meet up once a week at Southampton Football Stadium and did different events, like talk about Black History Month on Hits Radio and made and sold food at a football game. I would totally recommend that you do Changemakers after an NCS programme. I still meet all the people I did mine with and go to concerts together!  

My advice for anyone going on Summer ‘22 is to not get anxious about it. If you do get anxiety, talk to the staff or friends you make. I used to be extremely shy but NCS helped me make friends and made me realise I could beat my fears and shouldn’t hold back. It was a summer that changed my life, and it will change yours too!