Skills being learnt by teenagers at a Royal Bermuda Regiment programme will help them to develop into responsible and successful adults, according to the national security minister.

Michael Weeks was commenting after he joined the Governor, Rena Lalgie, in a visit to Warwick Camp to meet 38 young people taking part in the RBR’s Junior Leaders annual summer camp.

The participants, aged 13 to 17, have been enrolled in the programme since the beginning of July and have engaged in hands-on basic training in field craft, first aid, personal foot drill and several other areas.

Junior Leaders is not held only over the summer. Throughout the school year, students participate in monthly weekend training once a month, beginning on Friday nights. They can choose to attend the summer programme in Bermuda or overseas.

Ms Lalgie said: “In joining this programme, these young men and women have made an investment in their own future and a commitment to better themselves.

“It is evident that these activities and training have instilled a sense of pride and commitment into these young persons.”

Mr Weeks said: “The youth are our future and we are merely custodians until they are ready to take the helm.

“Therefore, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to interact with these Junior Leaders and have no doubt that the skills that these youngsters are learning through this commendable programme, along with the self-discipline that is being ingrained in them, will go a long way in helping them to develop into responsible and successful adults.”

Regiment Captain Gordon Emerson, the programme commandant, said that despite physical training starting at 6am and participants being required to keep their barracks and uniforms spotless, the ultimate goal of the programme is for participants to enjoy themselves and have fun.

“I have been impressed by the quality of the effort the Junior Leaders have extended towards their lessons and activities,” he said.

“I hope that more parents will take advantage of this programme, which is free to join and which strives to challenge participants to grow into the best versions of themselves and to answer the question: what does excellence look like in you?"

Anyone interested in registering themselves or their children in this programme can contact the Royal Bermuda Regiment on 238-1045 and speak to the chief clerk.