Some may consider the colder months up north as the 

"building season", and it is more conducive to building 

than flying, but being primarily a builder, I consider all

twelve months of the year as the "building season" even

when I lived in a milder climate in Texas. 

Not being critical...just stating an opinion!

Good advice, Mike.  

We have a new challenge here in Oz. 

Clubs are wary of encouraging new young flyers to our clubs, as there is a chance when dealing with young people of being accused of inappropriate behaviour toward them.

I'm a member of three clubs and it's a uniform policy stance to shy away from junior membership.

Adult members' kids are welcome - as long as the parents are present.

Older members can remember Sunday mornings with a gaggle of kids on the simulators and buddy boxes.

Not any more.  It's too risky.

Cheers

I understand your concern.  But where there is a will there is a way. I was a foster parent for years and had to deal with concerns like this every day. Had to take classes one day every week for the time my wife and I were in it on how to deal with the challenges in all aspects.  I think if one member were to speak with someone in child services .  They  could help lay down some simple ground rules when dealing with younger groups . And now your concerns are on the table so to speak with the proper people backing you. Just narrow it down a few do's and don'ts and I sure it will be fine. If were to not teach your youth about our hobby then what? Nothing but Walmart drones! Curtiss would role over in his grave and spit 

Hi Guys

In recent times, Churches, Youth Groups et al., have become safe havens for paedophiles; and we all know about the terrible stories we've heard.

Our National umbrella organisation is encouraging clubs to have members obtain police security checks before dealing with children.

This is an onerous, costly and lengthy process which must be undertaken by each member who may be contacting unaccompanied children.

No members have been interested in putting up their hands for this.

Once the kids grow into older teenagers, they are no longer vulnerable and neither are the members.

That's true, Dowmer.  The children of active members are always welcome.

However some people see the idea of encouraging unattached kids to come and fly, as being a means to keeping them out of trouble; and growing the hobby from the ground up.

It may be different in the US and other places, but we have become sensitised as a community.

My brother in law (a recently retired high school principal), had a campus policy that no member of Staff was to be alone in any room with a student under any circumstances.

I try not to be left alone with my grand children.

Sad.  But it's a sign of the times.