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Local Navigators USA Chapter To Open Saturday

Megan Fredrickson and Autumn Johnson, area residents, are kicking off the first chapter of Navigators USA, a secular and co-ed scouting movement, in Chautauqua County on March 4 at Phoenix Rising Wellness Studio. The meeting, originally scheduled for Feb. 25, had to be postponed due to illness. Submitted photo

Two local moms are starting up a new scouting chapter in the area which welcomes everyone regardless of gender, race, religion or lifestyle choice.

Megan Fredrickson and Autumn Johnson, leaders of the first Navigators USA chapter in Chautauqua County, are inviting those who are interested to stop in for their meet and greet meeting on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Phoenix Rising Wellness Studio. The meeting was originally scheduled for yesterday, but had to be postponed due to illness.

Navigators USA is a scouting organization which focuses on getting children and their families outside in an inclusive manner. The pledge, known as the “Moral Compass,” is “As a Navigator, I promise to do my best to create a world free of prejudice and ignorance. To treat people of every race, creed, lifestyle and ability with dignity and respect. To strengthen my body and improve my mind to reach my full potential. To protect our planet and preserve our freedom.”

Johnson said the reason they decided to start the scouting chapter here is to involve anyone who is interested, regardless of beliefs, gender and other factors.

“We are a co-ed, secular movement,” she said. “The big thing is we try to be all-inclusive. We’re seeing a lot of people looking for an activity they can do with their whole family.”

Johnson said for families, it can be difficult when a child is involved in one activity and another child is involved in a different activity, but Navigators includes all children. Likewise, as a homeschooling parent, she said it can be difficult to get children involved in a group that is held at a church or a school.

Fredrickson said she wanted to start the chapter to get her children involved in the community.

“I have two kids, a three-year-old and a five-year-old,” she said. “I want to expose them to as much diversity as possible and get them outside more.”

“We’re trying to give back to a community that has already given so much to us,” Johnson said.

The program is currently set to accept children age three to 12, but can be expanded to include ages 13 to 18 if interest is expressed. Phoenix Rising Wellness Studio is currently sponsoring the group and allowing the Navigators to use their space, but Johnson said the group is looking for other business sponsors, individuals to come teach life skills to the students or possible field trips for the scouts to attend.

“We want to give the kids flexibility to follow their interests,” she said.

The first meeting will be an opportunity for the children to get to meet one another, for families and scouts to ask questions and to see if the program is a good fit, Johnson said. Annual dues are $35, but also include the uniform, she said.

Fredrickson said the first few meetings will be getting the children acquainted with one another and learning how to work together. Afterward, the group can take outings and earn patches.

For more information on the organization, visit www.navigatorsusa.org.

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