KEIGHLEY teenagers have been given a taste of army life.

A group from University Academy Keighley (UAK) was among dozens of teenagers from schools across the region who took part in a series of youth ‘supercamps’ at Catterick, in North Yorkshire.

The young people were representing schools throughout the county and Teesside.

The UAK contingent was joined by students from North Huddersfield Trust School and the YH Training Services military preparation course, in York.

They learned a range of field-craft skills, including how to conceal themselves using camouflage.

An assault course was tackled, and they faced various problem-solving challenges.

And there was an opportunity to fire weapons on a laser range.

Phil Allen – UAK’s teacher in charge of behaviour, attendance and safeguarding – said the students hugely enjoyed the experience and derived a lot from it.

“It is my third time at the army supercamps and the reason we keep coming back is that we get something more each time,” he added.

“Students love it.

“The engagement with the army has been fantastic.

“I don’t really know if there is anything that is better for the children to get the experience of being out there, learning about the army and having a fun time.”

The supercamps are run by the 4th Infantry Brigade – the regional brigade for Yorkshire and the North East.

Organiser, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Hunter, said: “The supercamp is the army’s largest youth activity, bringing together hundreds of young people from diverse communities across the region.

“Through challenging, military-themed activity, we can develop their leadership and team-working skills and communication.

“But probably just as importantly, we can build confidence and raise aspirations and send the young people back to their communities better prepared for whatever they might do beyond school and feeling more connected with their army.”

The camps are also designed to give youngsters an insight into what the army does.

Young people get a taste of what membership of the Army Cadet Force youth organisation could offer them, or the Officer Training Regiment if they go to university, or a career generally in the army.

Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, pays tribute to the supercamps initiative.

He said: “It’s vital that we build strong links with our communities.

“I’m delighted that 4th Infantry Brigade is helping more than 850 young people from across Yorkshire and the North East to develop their leadership and team-building skills.

“Taking part in army camps will give these future leaders a real sense of the value our armed forces deliver in terms of professionalism and pride.”

Further information about the army and the careers on offer can be found at its updated website, army.mod.uk.

It features details of the different roles available, including joining as a regular soldier or officer or as a reservist.

Reserve soldiers get involved in all the same activities as the regular army and are paid for their duties, but are part-time.