A new style youth group which started up its first UK operation in Kingskerswell, Devon last January and already has other groups reaching up to Yorkshire is now being encouraged by local community supporters to open a new group for the children of Torquay.
UK Navigators is based on many principles similar to traditional Scouting in that it encourages children to get out doors and try out new things. Navigators though have done away with some of the formalities and stereotypical perceptions of mainstream scouting in exchange for greater unity helping to form closer links with the local communities.
After the success of the Kingskerswell they are finding that new children are now joining every week. Children typically can join in the fun as soon as they start school and families are encouraged to play an active part in the adventure. This is incredibly popular with parents with some traveling from outside the immediate catchment area just to join in, so opening another group in Watcombe appears to be a logical step.
Steve Michaels who is UK Development Manager for UK Navigators says “Navigators is a really great way to get all types of children across all backgrounds working together. By allowing the children to develop their own badges, the type of uniform they want to wear and the activities they like to get involved in, really gives children confidence and helps them develop in ways that they might not normally get the chance to do.”
When we were looking for a Torbay base having a community focus was paramount and when it was first suggested on social media, there was an immediate requests to make this happen from people within the Watcombe area pledging support right from the start.”
Michella Vickers a resident from Watcombe said “nothing can beat skills that set children up for life whilst doing something they can enjoy and get involved with. My girls will definitely be enrolled in this one and it will be lovely for something like this to be accessible to our community.”
Steve Michaels goes on to say “In the last few months children have tried everything from climbing and camping, to archery, fun days, beach parties, arts and crafts, nature scrambles and so much more what they get up to is only limited by their imagination and the adult volunteers who help guide the young people”
Although it’s not always just about having fun the Navigator slogan is “The more you give the more you get” so groups are encouraged to play a part and get involved in local events which can range from anything to gardening and litter picking to planting trees or helping out at local fundraising events”.
If you would like to get involved in this exciting new development either to start a group in your area, find out about helping with developments in Watcombe or would like to get your child involved.
Please either visit www.uknavigators.org.
Message them on Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/uknavigators
or email info@uknavigators.org
