Celebrating Success with the EDGE Programme

We celebrated 64 young people achieving awards on the 24^th and 25^th of June at West Suffolk College. The awards ceremony was held following completion of the BFER funded EDGE programme created and run by Bush Adventures. After running the six-week course five times, we were thrilled to be there to celebrate the achievements of students who successfully completed the unique and transformative programme.

The event gathered students, faculty staff, family members, and distinguished guests to recognise and honour the hard work, dedication, and growth of the young people involved. All of them completed the course, and the majority of them also achieved the John Muir Award and or First Aid Training. Called to the stage individually, the students received their certificates from Danielle (Lecturer in Supported learning) and Rory and Andy, (Bush Adventures programme leads) to enthusiastic applause.

The accomplishments and commitment of these students is especially commendable as many of them have special educational needs, find attending college difficult and have historic poor attendance. The EDGE programme was designed to support and engage students in a learning process suitable for their needs to enable them to develop skills in non-academic areas.

By focusing on team building, leadership and outdoor education, the team at Bush Adventures were able to provide a holistic course enabling the participants to work on their own wellbeing whilst learning about heritage and the environment, and building skills such as bushcraft, fire lighting and first aid. The participants were also encouraged to push themselves outside their comfort zone by trying activities such as teambuilding, leadership skills and canoeing. Physical activity was encouraged by daily use of the trim trail and nature walks in various locations. These activities not only helped participants to connect with nature, and feel stronger and fitter, but boosted their confidence too.

Well done to all!