The weeklong camp exposed youth to military life and helped them to develop leadership skills
The Royal Bermuda Regiment issued the following media release.
A group of teenagers gained new friends and new skills during a weeklong camp run by the Royal Bermuda Regiment.
The 24 youths took part in the RBR’s Junior Leaders programme, which exposes young people to military life and helps them to develop leadership skills.
Eight members of the group joined the cohort for the first time when the camp began last Friday.
Activities over the past seven days have included fieldcraft and skill-at-arms lessons, physical training and foot drill.
There was also time for recreational pursuits such as swimming, football, volleyball, basketball and tug-of-war games.
Captain Gavin Rayner, the JL Commandant and the RBR’s Adjutant, said: “The summer camp provides a good introduction to what can be expected in Junior Leaders. Like camps for adult soldiers, it’s a short, sharp shock to
the system for new members, which offers a taste of what we do.
“The camp provides a base for them – now that we’ve got some of the fundamentals down, we can build on that and work towards activities that are more exciting.”
Like regiment soldiers, Junior Leaders can advance to command positions, allowing for formal recognition of their capabilities and promise.
“We had promotions at the beginning of the camp based on the maturity of Junior Leaders and their leadership potential,” Capt Rayner said. “For the most part, they have all really come into their own in terms of stepping up
to their new ranks.”
The programme, which runs throughout the school year, is also an award centre for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, allowing JLs to gain credit towards the scheme’s Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of achievement.
Lance Corporal Tristan White, 14, a pupil at Chatmore, has been a Junior Leader for two years and noted that the programme offered opportunities to meet people from diverse backgrounds.
“I want to keep going and rise through the ranks,” he said. “But I’m also proud of myself because my grandfather reached the rank of Captain. He was very proud of me when I joined and also when I got promoted.”
Reflecting on his time in the RBR’s youth wing, LCpl White added: “I’ve seen that my confidence has increased and I’m using my voice. I’m a loud speaker so I’m using that to my advantage now.”
Private Haylee Hamilton, a 14-year-old CedarBridge Academy pupil, joined the Junior Leaders just last week for the camp.
She enjoyed skill-at-arms and medic lessons and added: “I’ve learned how to make time.”
Private Amir Best, 13, who attends Erie Day School in Pennsylvania, was also new to the group and said part of the reason he joined the camp was to make new friends.
He enjoyed the discipline of drill and said the most fun activity was firing a weapon.
“All the work and time spent in skill-at-arms lessons paid off,” Pte Best said.
He too honed his timekeeping skills.
“Usually I’m a couple of minutes late to most places but after being here I will never be late,” Pte Best insisted.
To learn more about Junior Leaders, visit rbr.bm or call 238-1045
