The governments National Citizen Service is a modern twist to the old style military service and an integral part of David Camerons' Big Society. This summer it has over 30,000 16-17 year olds signed up, ready to team up and volunteer for their country.
The three week programme is designed to teach new skills, get used to working with people they've never met before, living away from home to take part in outdoor activities and reconnecting with their communities. The Prime Minister says that by 2014 nearly one in six teenagers will be taking part in the programme and eventually offering it to every 16-year-old in the country.
The website states: "You will spend a week in October (during half term) away from home getting to know your new teammates and having an amazing adventure. When you get back you will reconnect with your team and take part in skill building sessions, which will then help you to plan and deliver a project which could make a real difference to your community.
At the end of the programme, you will be presented with a certificate signed by the Prime Minister to recognise the contribution you will have made to your community and your country."
It seems the National Citizen Service project really is off the ground and running. Conservative Future have been doing social action projects for years, it will be great to see this vision implemented nationally.
