Engaging Teens and Helping Shape their Future with the National Citizen Service

My daughter Kezia is going to be sixteen years old this year. My youngest daughter is all grown up. Life is a whirlwind of homework, friends, concerts, YouTube, make-up tutorials, playing music on vinyl, vegan snacks, Snapchat and shopping trips. 

She is fast approaching the time when she has some big decisions to make with regards to her future post-16 options - whether she chooses to do A'Levels at college with a view to going on to university, or if she opts for a more vocational course and an apprenticeship. Whatever she chooses to do, I'll be there to support her and encourage her every step of the way, hoping that I've helped her develop the tools needed to thrive in the big wide world.

There is one decision that I hope she decides upon that will help her to shape her future and grow as an individual at this important time in her life. The National Citizenship Service is a once in a lifetime opportunity for 16 - 17 year olds to take part in a 3 - 4 week experience that helps build confidence and self belief, giving teens a taste of living away from home, developing important skills and meeting new people. This would be a great opportunity for Kezia to do something challenging while embarking on a journey of self discovery that could really help her to grow as a person. As well as the fun and adventure involved in taking part, participation in NCS will also look good on a UCAS personal statement or CV.

NCS is a government backed programme established in 2011 open to 16 and 17 year-olds across England and Northern Ireland, to help create a more cohesive and engaged society and helping to tackle some of our country's biggest social challenges. The two to four week programme takes place in the school summer holidays, and includes outdoor team-building exercises, a residential for learning essential life skills, a community-based social action project and an end of programme celebration event.

By bringing together young people from different backgrounds for a unique shared experience, NCS helps them to become better individuals, and in turn better citizens. These Generation Z teenagers have the power to change the world for the better. They are tomorrow's adults; our future leaders and influencers and could prove to be an unstoppable force!

The NCS programme puts young people through a series of challenging activities to take them out of their comfort zone and develop their strength of character and leadership skills. They are given the chance to really connect with their communities through social action, organising events or raising money for local charities. This year more than 100, 000 16 - 17 year olds will be taking part in the scheme. The benefits of the NCS is great, not just to the teenagers who take part, but to their communities and to society as a whole. Investing in our young people is an investment in our country's future. For every £1 spent, the NCS summer programme in 2016 delivered up to £2.42 of benefits back to society.

This opportunity is a chance for teens to do something really worthwhile over the long summer holidays. As a parent, I think this is definitely worth pitching to my teenager as it will be way more rewarding to her than lazing in bed until midday throughout the whole of August! I hope she'll say yes to NCS.

NCS is amazing value for money. The whole experience including food, accommodation and travel costs just £50, which is an incredible bargain when you think of what your child can gain from taking part.  (Bursaries are available on a case by case basis and support is also provided for young people with additional needs.) Even if you have commitments over the summer, you can register for further details and NCS will try to find a spot for all interested teens at a time that suits.

There are still places available for Year 11s to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity this summer. To sign up now, go to the NCS website using this link: www.ncsyes.co.uk.