TEENAGER Carmen Browne says she has learnt to take every opportunity after taking part in the National Citizenship Scheme at New College.

The 16-year-old, from Haydon Wick, celebrated her achievements during a special ceremony at the College on Thursday after spending four weeks on the personal development course.

The programme is designed to give young people aged between 15 and 17 from around the UK and from a range of different backgrounds the chance to learn new skills and experiences during the summer break while helping them to develop greater confidence, self-awareness and responsibility.

Carmen said: “I wasn’t going to go to it at first but I heard about how much fun it was and I thought I should give it a go.

“In the first week I wasn’t shy as such but I have got a few problems with getting to know people and talking to new people. But then we did the team building exercises and I began to open up a bit and to get along with the people in my team.

“We hang out now in college and everything. It was really good to get to know them before I started here.”

The learners spent the first week in Weymouth enjoying sailing, paddleboarding, cliff climbing and mountain biking and during the second week did a camp at Chiltern Farm.

During the final fortnight the youngsters worked together in groups to set up a number of fundraising events and went before a Dragons Den of authority figures to pitch their ideas.

Carmen said: “I can’t swim, so I am frightened of the water. But when we went to Weymouth I was forced to overcome my fears and move out of my comfort zone.

“Paddleboarding was definitely the best bit.

“I would really recommend it to everybody, it really boosts your confidence and gets you thinking about what else you could try.

“It’s really taught me just to go for any opportunity because you don’t know when you might get another chance and just to give it a go because you might enjoy it.”

Chelsea Phillips, one of the leaders of the course, said that Carmen had progressed in leaps and bounds since she started on the scheme.

She said: “At the start of the programme Carmen was shy and quiet and very introverted.

“During the first week in Weymouth she had fears of water and climbing. With the help of her team she not only managed to sail and paddle board but was swimming and jumping in the water.

“She also had a fear of heights but was determined to get on the wall and set herself a target height which she smashed.

“She also became good friends with the group and her confidence grew. She made lots of friends and has grown into a confident, happy, bubbly student and is a pleasure to be around.”

Anyone interested in joining the project next year should contact New College on 01793 611470.