AROUND 600 children in West Devon had one of the biggest adventures of their lives when they took part in this year?s Junior Life Skills at Okehampton Camp last week. Year six children from primary schools across the borough took part in an action-packed day as they learned vital new skills to keep themselves and others safe, and how to be good citizens. At the camp, children were 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 were taught how to cope in today?s world. During their day each child also received a healthy snack, provided by Plymouth and South West Co-operative Society. Junior Life Skills, organised by West Devon Borough Council and now in its 13th year, aimed to help the youngsters to recognise danger, deal with emergencies and be socially responsible. The scenes were set by Devon and Cornwall Police; Devon County Council Road Safety 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 Dennis Bater said: ?Junior Life Skills is a challenge and great fun which is a perfect combination for children to learn some important messages. ?It?s important to teach children how to avoid becoming victims, how to look after themselves and to learn how to be good citizens. They also have a clearer understanding of the role of the police and other emergency services.? The event took place thanks to generous donations and support from the Manor House Hotel, Okehampton; Okehampton United Educational Foundation; Rotary Club of Tavistock; Plymouth & South West Co-operative Society; James McNaughton Paper Merchants Ltd.; Devon NHS Primary Care Trust; and West Devon Borough Council.
