YOUNGSTERS in West Auckland are being given the chance to embrace adventure at a new weekly club.
Husband and wife duo Graeme and Steph White run FERN Outdoor Adventures, which offers outdoor opportunities and education to young people. After the closure of the village’s youth club last year, the pair saw an opportunity to branch out in the village. They set up a weekly adventure club, which runs on Thursdays at the Memorial Hall, on Darlington Road.
It is open to all children over five. Youngsters take part in activities such as bushcraft, archery, fire safety skills and team games.
Mr White said: “We found that there is not a lot for young people to do in West Auckland apart from what is going on in school. Having this club on a night allows children to experience different activities. They get to have a go at everything. It is enjoyment for the children but they are also learning new skills.”
Mr White’s love of the outdoors began at the age of six when he climbed his first mountain in the Lake District.
At 16, he joined Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team, following in the footsteps of his father. He switched to Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team but decided to take a step back and concentrate on family time with his wife Steph, and their three children, Jessica, Rhys and Dylan. They then noticed a gap in opportunities for youngsters in their home village. Mr White is now a development worker at Auckland Youth and Community Centre. He also manages the Big Purple Playbus.
He said: “Starting FERN was a dream we had for a while and the time was right to do it. The name FERN came from my mountain rescue search dog who passed away in the summer of 2016. The family wanted a way to remember FERN the dog.
“I think it is really important that the children have something to do in the village. There is nothing once the school shuts. There is nothing in the school holidays either so we are hoping to keep the club running one day every week and during holidays.”
The adventure club runs from 4pm to 5.30pm. Admission is £3 per child per session which includes a healthy snack and a drink.
