Sea Cadets make urgent call for new volunteers
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All hands on deck are required as Wick Sea Cadets have issued a mayday call for adult volunteers.
The cadets, who regularly meet on Tuesday nights at the Scout Hall in Kirkhill, are in need of volunteers to help the branch run its activities and, more importantly, keep the group operational.
The Wick branch of the Sea Cadets was founded in 1942. Following a period of inactivity, the unit was resurrected in 2006 as part of Thurso's branch before setting itself up as a unit in its own right in 2008.
Many youngsters between the ages of 10 and 18 have passed through the ranks and gained important life skills.
Through various activities and adventures, cadets learn teamwork, respect, loyalty, self-confidence, commitment, self-discipline, honesty and proficiency in first aid.
The branch also offers a range of activities from sailing, windsurfing and power-boating to rock-climbing, camping and music.
However, unless an adequate number of volunteers can be found to help out, the Wick group will have made its last voyage.
Cadets over the years have benefited from learning a variety of skills.
Unit management team secretary Peta Donachie said: "At the moment, we have five staff volunteers helping out with the Sea Cadets.
"However, three of those will be going on to new jobs and will be unable to give their free time to the cadets.
"We had eight members of staff a year ago so our numbers have been steadily decreasing.
"People moving on and work commitments always happen but now we need to appeal for new volunteers.
"A number of cadets over the years have benefited from learning a variety of skills such as first aid and navigation but also being part of a team, making new friends and building up their confidence, not to mention the Sea Cadets giving them something to do with their spare time.
"However, all the activities need proper adult supervision and if we do not get any more volunteers then the Wick Sea Cadets may have to close."
If you are interested in becoming a staff volunteer then email wickcadets@gmail.com
For more information on what the cadets do, click here.
