A total of 45 Junior Leaders this weekend completed their two week annual training camp.

And proud family and friends watched as the school-age branch of the armed services paraded at the Bermuda Regiment’s Warwick Camp at the end of 14 action-packed days in the field. Junior Leaders Pte Akilah Acka, 15, said: “I’ve really enjoyed it – I got to make new friends and gain experience and skills I can use in everyday life. I’ve learned first aid and organisational skills.

She added: “But I am really looking forward to getting home for a shower.”

And the CedarBridge Academy pupil, from Sandys, said she aimed to join the Regiment when she turned 18.

Pte Jaden Talbot, 13, who picked up an award for most improved leader, added: “I made sure everybody was where they were supposed to be and on time. I really liked the assault course and learned better organisational skills.”

Mom Jameka Talbot, from Smiths, said both Jaden, a pupil at the Whitney Institute, and brother Q’Shai were in the Junior Leaders.

She added: “I see improvement in them both – their timekeeping is better and they’re improving with a lot of different things.

Pte Malaika Dowling, 14, a TN Tatem pupil from Warwick, said: “I like a challenge – I enjoyed the battle run, shooting rifles and doing my weapons handling test. And I’ve learned I have to pay attention more.”

The recruits paraded before Acting Governor Ginny Ferson, Premier and National Security Minister Michael Dunkley, Regiment Commanding Officer Lt Col Michael Foster-Brown and other dignitaries on Saturday.

Mr Dunkley told the junior soldiers that the experience would stand them in good stead and that friendships they made “would last for the rest of your lives.” Col Foster-Brown added: “The Junior Leaders’ aim is to inspire young people to achieve success in life with a spirit of service to the Island and their local community and to develop in them the qualities of a good citizen.

“The Junior Leaders in many ways exemplifies what we have been developing in the adult Regiment – rewarding, fun training and, of course, they are all volunteers and many continue to serve once 18, including many senior members of the Regiment.”

And Col Foster-Brown said: “I believe the Junior Leaders programme is the best youth development programme in Bermuda.”

Over the two weeks, the youngsters took part in a wide range of activities, including military skills, navigation and first aid, as well as doing community work at Serenity Gardens and Lorraine rest homes.

They also camped out on Darell’s Island for three nights and enjoyed abseiling, fishing, lazer tag, as well as taking part in sports competitions.

Junior Leaders Commandant Major Henry Campbell said: It’s very encouraging to see these young people develop skills and confidence and we try to balance the serious with the fun stuff to keep them interested.”