The Puhoi Valley will ring with the sound of a bosun’s whistle next year with the formation of a new Sea Scouts group.
Since scout leader Daniel Watson put the call out to Puhoi parents for registrations of interest, he has had 80 families respond.
He hopes to have it up and running in the Puhoi Sports Club by February.
“We have a beautiful river that goes out to sea so I saw it as an opportunity to teach kids boating skills and generally create a community.”
The new group would cover boating skills and kayaking around the coast as well as the usual activities like rock climbing, hiking and abseiling.
“It’s about finding the point where kids can challenge themselves and take risks but in a safe way.”
Although it is early days, Daniel has ambitions to fundraise and convert an old run-down A&P shed into a scout den.
“There are plenty of skills in the community we could make use of, if we can find the materials to convert it into a clubhouse. It doesn’t have to be the Taj Mahal.”
Daniel was previously a scout leader in Greenhithe and believes that it creates well rounded kids with leadership and outdoor skills.
He was also in the territorial forces in the New Zealand Army as an engineer for 18 years so is familiar with classic activities like shooting guns and digging holes.
His wife Sarah, who will also be involved with the new group, is a child psychologist and is opening a new practice in Warkworth.
As well as keen kids, Daniel is looking for parents who would be interested in volunteering to be involved in the activities or to join the committee.
Those interested can contact Daniel at Daniel@intrepid.kiwi.
