We, the Whitby Scouts, Eskdale School and Volunteer It Yourself (a national organisation identified by the UK Men’s Shed Association) have been arranging a 2 day work experience project for 15 students leading to a formally assessed City & Guilds certificate.
It took place on 9th & 10th of July at Sleights Scout Hut. 15 students (14 year olds) were divided into 4 teams overseen by mentors. On Monday they made 4 raised bed veggie planters for the Cubs and on Tuesday 4 benches and 2 tables to to be dotted about the new activity area.
We were most impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication to the tasks shown by the students, many of whom are doing the first stages of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, the first year that Eskdale School has been in a position to do it.
Take a look at some of the photos, starting with a group photo of the mentors with the Assessor. You will recognise Eddie, Bob & Graham. The lady is Janine, GSL of Whitby Eskmouth Scouts, on the left is James the Assessor and in the shorts is Paul from VIY. Wickes sponsors such initiatives up and down the country. This is one of the first projects to take place in the North East.
CONT. after photos
We were a guinea pig for UK Men’s Sheds Association in trialling this kind of collaborative activity It came after a request by SAMS to UKMSA for information on Sheds in UK that may be working with youngsters. They had just had preliminary conversations with DIY. In our opinion this has been a great project to be involved with. With a school like Eskdale which want to stretch youngsters even outside the classroom. Good too that Whitby Scouts stepped in to provide the workplace. We hope the Cubs will enjoy their planters, benches and tables.
For SAMS, it was a privilege for Bob, Eddie and Graham to work in this project and to see the youngsters (two thirds girls) learn lessons for life, including the teamwork that enables the “Can Do” culture. Congratulations for them all gaining their Entry Level 3 City and Guilds.
Well done to Joe and Paul of VIY and to James the Assessor. Thanks also to Wickes for encouraging this kind of project.