Youth Worker, Liam Doherty, has been leading the group for home-educated children for the last eight months.
“The group meets weekly, and they are incredibly supportive of one another. Children are home-educated for different reasons which include some with an anxiety or special education needs, and they are all very accepting of one another,” he said.
“A school-based education is where children have opportunities to create key friendships and socialise so it is important to give the same opportunity to children who are home-educated.”
Pictured: The residential trip includes a day-trip to Herm where the children will take part in games and paddlesports on Shell Beach.
The Home School Youth Group meet weekly for two hours and consist of children aged between 13 and 16.
“Although the age range sounds small, there is a big difference between a kid who has just turned 13 and one who is about to turn 17,” said Mr Doherty.
“The children are all lovely and I have noticed that some of the older ones will really look out for the younger ones; they are all-inclusive.”
The itinerary for the three-day residential trip will see the group camp at Fauxquets Valley, learn to build a fire pit and paint with Iris & Dora. The trip will be a first for home-educated children on the island.
Pictured: Children will take part in making a fire pit at Rue Maingy.
Mr Doherty continued: “There are pros and cons to home-education. With a home-based education children have more opportunities for outdoor learning and the benefits that being in nature bring.
“I have included as many outdoor activities as possible on the itinerary, which includes a daytrip to Herm. Outdoor learning can be particularly effective for children who are perhaps alienated within a classroom environment.
“One of the kids said to me that they were feeling nervous but very excited for the trip and I said I felt the exact same way. It’s going to be a fantastic experience for all the kids and it’s great to be able to give them this opportunity.”