Volunteers from Basildon Youth Council will be playing their part in helping youngsters from across the county get the most out of a once in a lifetime experience.

Eight members of the youth council will be playing a key role in the Essex Experience at Skreens Park, Roxwell, near Chelmsford on Friday September 10 to Sunday September 12.

The Essex County Scout Council initiative, backed by Basildon Council, gives senior school pupils the chance of undertaking a wide variety of activities they may never otherwise experience.

The youngsters, from the district and across Essex, are given the opportunity to develop confidence skills and build self-esteem while taking part in pursuits which include canoeing, abseiling, and go-karting.

Volunteers from a number of organisations, including Basildon Council, Basildon police and the youth council, will be on hand to lead the youngsters throughout the weekend.

The youth council will be ensuring everyone is fully refreshed during the day by running a cafe where youngsters can buy drinks and snacks.

They will also offer help with an information centre for the young people during the weekend.

Carla Charles from the youth council said: "We are pleased to be involved in an initiative which gives other young people the chance to develop their personal skills by trying out new activities.

"As well as being able to help the youngsters attending the camp, the weekend will also give us valuable experience for our own future personal and working lives."

This is the third year young people from the district attended the Essex Experience.

The Basildon Challenge was set up to give youngsters who had already been on the Essex Experience the opportunity to become more involved over the weekend and has twice gained the recognition of the High Sheriff of Essex by receiving the High Sheriff's Cup.

Any company or organisation that wants information on helping out in future should contact Claire Fielder on 01702 216768.

Basildon Youth Council resumes its meetings on Monday September 13. Any young person aged 13 or over wanting to know more about the Youth Council should contact Basildon Council's youth development officer Graham Brown on 01268 294052.

Members of the Basildon Youth Council who are going on the Essex Experience later this month

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