Darkness will surround more than 40 Navy cadets based around the North Island as they set sail at dawn this weekend to take part in a series of nighttime navigation training activities.

New Zealand Cadet Forces staff member Piper Meija says the activities are allowing cadets to practice a range of 'survival, navigation and sailing skills”, and give the cadets a chance to make new friends and develop their leadership potential.

They will set sail this Friday, June 2, at 7pm and will return at Monday, June 5 at 5am.

'Basically cadets from all the North Island naval bases will head out after dark, and learn important skills they'll need when sailing.”

The annual recruitment drive for the cadet forces is currently underway. Piper says the nighttime navigation is both a great way to help show what skills cadets learn, and to celebrate the first King's Birthday weekend.

'In a time where young people may be feeling there isn't enough going on, the navy cadets always has something going on.

'Some of the older cadets are visiting schools across the Bay of Plenty, encouraging young people to leave their bedrooms, put down their phones, and try something new. Along with sailing, marksmanship and outdoor adventures, TS Chatham mentors' young people to pursue their passions and find new ones.

'We meet every Wednesday for three hours for our weekly activities, and every second weekend there is something happening, like our MASH camps with other cadets. It's really a great way for young people in Tauranga to get involved in something.”

Piper says if youth between the age of 13 and 18 are interested in the navy cadets, they can visit Sulphur Point at 5.15pm any Wednesday, or alternatively visit their website, www.tschatham.org.nz for more information.