Young people encouraged to celebrate Armed Forces Day

Schools are being encouraged to get involved with Armed Forces Day as Cornwall prepares to host the national event on June 24.

A host of exciting opportunities have been lined up to ensure youngsters can join in the celebrations and better understand the role of the military, past and present.

The programme is being co-ordinated by Cornwall Council's Education Business Partnership, which has delivered motivational activities for young people for more than 25 years.

A full list of activities on offer can be found on the Cornwall Armed Forces Day website where education settings can register their interest.

They include:

• Visit to the military village

Schools are invited to a special preview of the Armed Forces Day military village on Friday, June 23, a day ahead of the general public viewing. More information will be announced about this soon.

• Book an outreach visit

Expert teams from the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force are able to visit Cornwall schools to provide practical demonstrations and teach-ins, highlighting their role and what they do.

Schools should book on the Cornwall Armed Forces Day website or contact Gavin at 07925 360487.

• Take part in the Armed Forces Day Robotics Challenge

This is a whole day of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities aimed at year 3 and 4 students. It will be a fun-packed, hands-on day using programmable robots and engineering-based tasks to develop problem solving, teamwork and communication skills.

• Book a Zoom workshop from the Florence Nightingale Museum

As part of Armed Forces Day the Florence Nightingale Museum is offering schools the opportunity to receive a free online workshop – either a Mary Seacole or a Florence Nightingale Zoom workshop. Check out the website for more information and to book.

Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, Portfolio Holder for Children and Families at Cornwall Council, said:

"It is truly an honour that Cornwall has been chosen to host Armed Forces Day this year and it's fantastic that so much has been arranged to help children and young people take part.

"I would urge all education settings to check out the website, book some activities and join in the events this June."