Cromwell children can now reach for the sky as the first Air Scouts starts up in Central Otago.
The new group, which is affiliated with Scouts New Zealand, began meetings last week to teach children from ages 10 to 15 the rules of the sky.
The group was set up by Pete Trevathan, who moved to Cromwell about six weeks ago and decided to put to use his history with the Australian Sea Scouts and New Zealand Air Training Corp.
The group is one of three Air Scout groups in the South Island. Other branches are in Christchurch and Marlborough.
Mr Trevathan also ran an Air Scouts group at Fairfield, in Dunedin which he started in 2011 while living in the city.
In true scouts fashion the children earn badges, which come in categories such as air navigation, first aid and electronics.
‘‘We're starting easy, by working for an air spotting badge, which involves identifying different aircraft.''
Two experienced instructors were on board and the next step was to teach the potential pilots to fly, he said.
‘‘That is definitely the next step, but flying is expensive so we'll have to work out some fundraising.''
‘‘Outstanding kids'' would be encouraged to attend the Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School in Waikato, which catered to ages 16 to 19, he said.
As well as hobbyists, Mr Trevathan plans to start interested children on their way to a soaring career in aviation.
‘‘Whether you want to be a commercial pilot or join the air force, there are a lot of places it can lead to.''He had not finalised all of the costs but said membership ‘‘wouldn't be expensive''.
‘‘It is a good age group because its when you can really grab what they are interested in.''
Mr Trevathan is also setting up a Scouts Gang Show in Central Otago.
‘‘I love a challenge and I always complete them.''
By Jono Edwards.
