Summer camp 2009

Around 100 young first aiders from St John Ambulance are enjoying a taste of the outdoors on their summer camp at Tile Barn Outdoor Centre, near Brockenhurst.

Exciting activities

The youngsters, aged eight and over, have a packed programme of activities including canoeing, games and bowling. Older children from the charity’s Duke of Edinburgh Awards group will go on a night hike and all children will aim to pass new badge subjects.

Camp leader is Pat Bethel, the County Nursing Officer for St John Ambulance in Hampshire, who will be working together with a team of more than 30 adults.

Pat said: ‘Summer camp is the highlight of our year and it’s something we all look forward to. This year Hampshire is joined by 30 children from Devon and a group from Hertfordshire is also on the campsite – so it promises to be a lot of fun!’

St John Ambulance in Hampshire has more than 500 young members. The charity is open to children from the age of five – all of whom learn first aid and enjoy a wide range of other activities. Older children can often volunteer as first aiders at public events, including Premiership football.

Many Cadets build on their St John Ambulance experience by training to become doctors, nurses and paramedics.