The training visit was organised as part of an activity to recruit young people for the Hong Kong Award for Young People (HKAYP), a scheme that helps young people aged between 14 and 25 to participate in activities aimed at developing their leadership potential.

After the visit, 23 participants joined the HKAYP Bronze Award Scheme and 12 participants joined the HKAYP Silver Award Scheme.

One of the participants, Law Yi-sum, said: "The residential training was so fruitful that it helped us improve our leadership skills, patience and esprit de corp."

Another participant, Chau Charn-sum, added: "I was mostly impressed by the outdoor activities, such as the war game and the journey to an air-raid shelter, which were organised to test our physical fitness, determination, courage and mutual trust with team mates."

Leader of the group, Woman Sergeant Ho Yuen-wah, added: "The visit was worthwhile and meaningful. It improved our relations with the public and strengthened our ties with young people."

Apart from the Mainland visit, Districts in KE have also organised various healthy HKAYP activities, such as social service events, hiking and training courses on outdoor survival skills so as to instil a sense of discipline in young people.

Ngan Ting-chi and Chow Kit-chi, who joined the HKAYP Bronze Award Scheme, agreed that the activities had helped them develop their potential. Ngan Ting-chi said: "I have made a lot of new friends and learned self dependence as well as communication skills through participation in the activities."

Chow Kit-chi added: "After joining HKAYP scheme, I have transformed myself into a more out-going and responsible person."

Another active participant, Lee Chun-man, who took part in the Gold Award Scheme, said: "These activities encourage us to reach out to the world, keep fit and develop our interests and potential. The various skills acquired allow us to be more well-equipped for future challenges."

Senior Police Constable Fung Siu-kit, who has been arranging activities for Wong Tai Sin Junior Police Call members, told OffBeat that the award scheme had helped him to bridge the generation gap with his daughter.

"The scheme offers a lot of opportunities to talk to young people. It helps me to know more about their interests and way of thinking. This knowledge allows me to have a better understanding of my daughter."

Mr Fung encouraged all eligible Police officers to join the scheme.

"The healthy HKAYP activities organised will definitely help boost our young officers' self-development," he said.