As well as being a great way to make friends and keep children occupied after school, clubs and organisations are a good way to teach young people new skills and get them involved in adventurous activities

As well as being a great way to make friends and keep children occupied after school, clubs and organisations are a good way to teach young people new skills and get them involved in adventurous activities that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to try. And it’s never too soon to start: some organisations will take them from 4 years old. Sign the kids up now and they will be able to take part in events over half-term and the Easter holidays.

SEA CADETS

Sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and rowing; if it’s a water-based activity, the Sea Cadets offer it. And if that’s not enough, rock-climbing and shooting are also often offered. There is a dedicated group for those under 12, while older cadets can exchange with other young people from places as far flung as Hong Kong and South Africa. When Twice a week, plus weekend camps. Suitable for Ages 10-18, three age groups. Cost £1 a week; uniform is supplied. Contact www.sea-cadets.org; 020-7654 7000.

THE WOODCRAFT FOLK

Not a band of tree-hugging whittlers, but an educational organisation for young people aged 4-16. The Woodcraft Folk’s activities focus mainly on camping, sustainable development and environmental issues. The group has no uniforms, but it offers “woodie hoodies” and T-shirts designed by youngsters, which members may choose to wear. When Weekly meetings plus trips. Suitable for Ages 4-16, four age groups. Cost £1 a week, plus trips and activities. Contact www.woodcraftfolk.org.uk; 020-8672 6031

YOUNG FARMERS

This rural club offers outdoor activities through its Countryside Challenge scheme, such as charity work, landscaping public areas and wildlife conservation. There are also exchange programmes set up with farming families around the world and, for older members there is the chance of three months of work on a livestock farm in New Zealand. When Most clubs meet once a week. Suitable for The junior clubs, or “Countrysiders”, are for ages 10-16. Cost Annual membership is £15 to £25. Contact www.nfyfc.org.uk; 02476 857200

AIR CADETS

Learning to fly, taking part in acrobatic displays, gliding, target shooting, canoeing, caving, parachuting and sailing are some of the activities that an Air Cadet can expect to try. Not surprisingly, an interest in aviation is a prerequisite. When Most groups meet once a week. Suitable for Ages 13-18. Cost Subs average £1 a month. Contact www.aircadets.org; 01400 267628

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD

The Duke of Edinburgh award scheme offers noncompetitive personal challenges for all young people, including those with disabilities Participants take part in a choice of activities, in

cluding expeditions and sports, to gain credit and achieve their chosen award; bronze, silver or gold. The award is run mainly in schools and is recognised by many universities. When It takes at least six months to earn bronze, 12 months for silver, and 18 months for gold. Suitable for Ages 14-24. Cost Free to participate, some activities have a nominal charge. Contact Ask your school; www.theaward.org

SCOUTS

The Scouts have evolved significantly from the “bob-a-job” days, offering a huge range of activities, such as dragon boating, horse riding, snow sports and caving. As well as the traditional survival skills, citizenship and global issues also feature in the experience. Nights away and trips abroad are organised all year round. When Once a week, plus expeditions. Suitable for Ages 6-18, four age groups. Cost £20 a term for Cubs; £25 for Scouts. Contact www.scouts.org.uk; 0845 3001818

GUIDES

The Guides is the only single-sex group on our list but, while girls mature quicker than boys, their self-confidence grows more slowly and a mixed group is often dominated by males. Like the Scouts, Guides, which includes the Rainbows and Brownies, has a badge system, offering awards for developing skills and trying new activities, such as orienteering or community projects. When Once a week. Suitable for Girls aged 5-14, three age groups. Cost £1 a week. Contact www.girlguiding.org.uk; 0800 1695901