Walcha  Presbyterian minister Graham Barnes and his wife Karen are leading a group of adults who want to provide a safe space for teenagers and tweens to relax and have an evening out.

“A family with youth group aged children came to us and said the nearest youth group was in Armidale and asked if we would we be interested in starting one up,” Mrs Barnes said.

“We spoke to other parents and decided the best time would be on a Saturday evening.”

The group met for the first time on Feb 3 from 5.00pm until 7.00pm and will continue to meet every week during the school term.

“It is held in the church grounds and hall and is for young people who are in school Years 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9,” Mrs Barnes said.

“We had a mix of boys and girls aged from 10 to 13 years come along for our first night and we kick-started the term with water games (using tank water), with guys against girls in a giant game of 'battleship', using water bombs to sink one another.

Last week we did 'ooshy gooshy food games' that included eating loads of jelly, whipped cream, ice cream and topping without using your hands.” 

There is no cost to attend the group and each week will include games and activities, a short talk and finish up with a meal.

“Each evening will start with heaps of really fun games for the first hour. We then go inside to the lounge area that has been set up for the kids to come together and hang out with their friends,” Mrs Barnes said.

“One of the leaders will then give a short talk from the Bible and then it's time for food. Dinner is provided each week thanks to a roster of very generous Walcha volunteers. This week we're having pizza.

“Coming up in the weeks ahead we'll have plenty more messy games, Minute It to Win It challenges, a scavenger hunt and a movie night later in the term.”

Graham and Karen Barnes moved to Walcha at the end of 2015 and instantly felt at home.

“We have no plans to move and want to bring our two young children up in Walcha,” said Mrs Barnes.

“This is a great community and we feel privileged to be here.”

If you have any questions or would like more information on the youth group contact Graham or Karen.