Conwy District Scouts organised a raft of adventurous activities for more than 170 children with highly trained instructors at sites across North Wales.
The troop – which has groups in Llandudno, Betws-y-Coed, Abergele, Old Colwyn, Colwyn Heights, Rhos-on-Sea, Llanfairfechan and Conwy – benefited from free adventure sessions with lead instructor Ray Barnett.
Supported by funding from Conwy Valley and North West Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership and Transport for Wales (TfW), representatives from groups in Llandudno, Betws-y-Coed, Abergele, Old Colwyn, Colwyn Heights, Rhos-on-Sea, Llanfairfechan and Conwy took part in the free scheme.
Sessions including archery, canoeing, kayaking, mining, hill walking and dry skiing were enjoyed by boys and girls from the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorer Scouts, ranging from four to 18 years old.
Ray Barnett, lead instructor on the scheme, thanked the community rail partnership for helping to rebuild young people’s confidence in the wake of Covid-19.
“During the pandemic we were unable to deliver all of the activities we usually hold throughout the year, which was challenging for all of us, especially the children and their parents,” said Ray.
“Covid-19 had such a big impact on their confidence and the social lives of these young people, it was vital we got them outside, learning and enjoying themselves with their friends as soon as we were able to, and that we could make this gesture of support to parents and our young people given the economic hurdles of the last few years.
“With the much-needed support of Conwy Valley and North West Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership and TfW we were able to do so successfully; our biggest challenge now is finding more volunteers to help us, given the waiting list to join Conwy District Scouts is growing all the time.