Pilots

Pilots is an ecumenical, non-uniformed organisation open to all children and young people. Believing that every child and young person matters, Pilots aims to meet the needs of each community in which it functions, offering children and young people safe and caring environments to flourish in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.

Pilots companies, based in local churches around the UK, usually meet on a weekday night, providing different activities, games and challenges to suit all ages and abilities,

Pilots on URC homepage

Pilots Facebook page

Pilots: A Rough Guide

How It All Began

John Williams was a missionary and with his wife Mary went out to the islands in the South Pacific to take the Christian message. They had an interesting time and their mission was fraught with danger. John was eventually murdered. In 1936 the London Missionary Society invited children all over the country to save their xhip halfpennies and contribute to buying a ship in John’s memory so that his work could continue. Several ships were bought in this way and the organisation of Pilots came into being.

Facts from the Pilots desk

  • Pilots is a Christian organisation for children and young people between the ages of 5 and 18. It is based in churches but open to all children.
  • Pilots is ecumenical, sponsored by the United Reformed Church and the Congregational Federation.
  • Pilots is non-uniformed. Pilots wear a badge and work for a year through a programme of projects and activities known as crests and seals.
  • Pilots is born out of a historical story and it is because of this story that Pilots has such a strong affiliation with the world church. This is one aspect that makes the organisation unique.
  • Pilots is supported by the Pilots Development Officer, a management group and a Publications group who constantly work on resources. Each Synod has a Regional Pilots Officer (RPO). In Southern Synod Kirsty Middlemist is the RPO.
  • All Pilots leaders and RPOs have the opportunity for regular training, self-assessment and support.