A NEW group for youngsters encouraging positive action in their communities and fundraising has been set up by ex scout leaders in East Cornwall.

The new UK Navigators Callington group is a structured youth group based at Golberdon Parish Hall, offering activities that encourage young people to think about the area they live in and the people around them, while exploring, learning, meeting new people, having fun and overcoming challenges. Some of the activities will include community projects and fundraising for local causes.

Group leader Cheryl Stainsby said: ‘ Our age range is seven to 18 years and we encourage our senior members to help the junior section teaching them the benefits of volunteering and helping in the community. All our leaders are volunteers which come from a youth or scouting background.

‘I set up the group with a few friends who are ex scout leaders like myself. We have chosen to do this as we felt scouting was becoming more about adults telling them what to do and children not having much say in what they wear and or do. Also there is a lack of youth organisations in the area that encourage local community work and I feel strongly about encouraging today’s youth as they are the residents of the future.’

There are a few other UK navigator groups in the country, set up by ex scouters for similar reasons.

The group meets on a Thursday evening at Golberdon Parish Hall from 6.30pm to 8pm.

For more information contact Cheryl Stainsby on 07770797627.