Junior Lifeskills

It's fun, it's free and it could help save lives! Ten and 11-year-olds from nearly 30 primary schools in West Devon will have the time of their lives when they take part in an action-packed session they'll never forget at this year's Junior Life Skills event in September.

The 550 children, all Year 6 pupils from primary schools within the borough, will learn vital new skills to keep themselves and others safe. They will also learn how to be good citizens during their specially structured session, which is completely free for those taking part.

Running from September 10 - 14, the event takes place at Okehampton Army Training Camp, where the children will be faced with nine different simulated scenarios, each of which they may encounter in real life. With the help of trained experts at each scenario, they will learn how to recognise potential danger, deal with emergencies and be socially responsible.

Junior Life Skills, now in its 18th year, is organised by West Devon Borough Council and the scenarios will be set by Devon and Cornwall Police; Devon County Council Safe & Sustainable Travel Team; Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service; RNLI; British Red Cross; Dartmoor Training Area (Army) and Landmarc Support Services; and West Devon's Environmental Health, and Recycling Departments.

West Devon Mayor Cllr Robin Musgrave said: "This is a fantastic event which is challenging yet fun and we all know that children learn far more from such hands-on and practical activities that they will be undertaking."

As the event is completely free to the schools, it could not take place without the generous donations and support from Okehampton Educational Foundation; NHS Devon; the Manor House and Ashbury Hotels; Okehampton Town Council; Tavistock Town Council; Lions Clubs of Okehampton and Tavistock; Rotary Club of Tavistock; Technology Retail & Services; TRC & Training Ltd; Okehampton College and local volunteers, as well as West Devon Borough Council.

Contributors towards this very worthwhile event are always welcome. If any local businesses or organisations would like to become involved with Junior Life Skills, please contact West Devon Borough Council's Environmental Health Department.

Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2012