Blue EDGE program gives 15 Charters Towers teens important life skills
A physical training program providing given a group of NQ teenagers the ‘edge’ to succeed in life. See how.
Townsville
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A group of Charters Towers teens have been given the “edge” to succeed in their lives after completing a police program aimed at improving their confidence and self-discipline via physical exercise.
The 15 boys who successfully completed the program were rewarded with a pair of new shoes (up to $150) from Rebel Sports.
Program leaders - Charters Towers State High School Youth Support co-ordinator Haylee Scanlan and Charters Towers PCYC Acting Sergeant Paul Foster - said they’ve witnessed noticeable changes in the participants.
“Each session starts with physical training, followed by a hearty meal and a guest speaker. Every one of the boys’ fitness improved by the end of the course,” Acting Sergeant Foster said.
“It is fantastic for their confidence to see a clear improvement in their fitness skills from regular workouts.
“Four of the boys placed at their high school’s recent cross-country race. One boy had never won a ribbon before. The Blue EDGE program gives them self-belief that they can do hard things.”
Mrs Scanlan said the program forged a connection between exercise, eating well, feeling well and success in the classroom.
“Every week we have a guest speaker who talks to the boys about various important topics,” Mrs Scanlan said.
“We also mentor the boys and help them work on their own challenges. It’s great to see their attitude improve. They really start to work as a team and make new friends.”
Helping to grow and develop the skills and attitudes young people need to take part in society, now and in the future, the Blue EDGE (Educate, Develop, Grow, Empower) program has run since 2017, when Charters Towers hosted a pilot program.
The program runs for eight weeks with two sessions per week, where physical training is used to extend a young person’s mind and physical capability, with additional ‘life skill lessons’ delivered through career education, motivational speakers and mentoring.
Outcomes include the development of better rapport between police, Queensland Blue Light volunteers, participants, and their families.
For more information, visit: bluelightqld.org/blue-edge
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Originally published as Blue EDGE program gives 15 Charters Towers teens important life skills