First course a great success....
As Youth Scotland continues to develop its Boys on Beat programme, a participant from last year’s leadership course tells us how it has helped open doors to a range of leadership experiences.
Boys on Beat is a Youth Scotland programme that gives young men aged 14 - 24 the opportunity to develop leadership skills through dance and physical activity. It has been developed in partnership with Sports Leaders UK.
Last year, ten young men took part in the first Boys on Beat course in Perth. Participants gained Sports Leaders UK Level 1 Awards in Dance Leadership as well as Bronze Youth Achievement Awards.
“The course was challenging, but also really inspiring,” said Mark. “It took me out of my comfort zone. By the end of the week I was standing in front of everyone taking a class.”
“On the course we looked at what opportunities for volunteering there were in our area. I contacted Gilmerton School and asked if it would be possible for me to run some sessions. It was scary at first, but it was me and another dancer, so I wasn’t just on my own.”
Mark now runs weekly after-school dance sessions for young people in hip-hop, contemporary and jazz. He has also delivered some taster workshops with patients at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, as well as volunteering at Dancebase, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance. Mark has recently applied to study dance at college.
“Boys on Beat gave me the confidence to dance and follow my dreams,” said Mark. “It is really motivating to teach the thing you enjoy. I would say to anyone applying for the next Boys on Beat course, go with an open mind – anything can happen.”