Young volunteers from all over the state came together last weekend for the first camp targeted at our 16 and 17-year-old CFA members.
Run as part of the Cadet Pilot Project, the weekends are designed to engage, enhance and encourage our youngest operational volunteers.
Members from 32 brigades attended the camp, which featured a day at Central Highlands VEMTC as well as a day of team building and adventure activities, including appearances from the CFA VR and Aviation teams.
Members enjoyed a day of firefighting on the props at VEMTC, with exercises including car fires, BBQ fires, search and rescue utilising a thermal imaging camera, fire extinguishers and a chance to try their hand at crew leading through an XVR computer simulation session. Members also got to meet CFA CEO Natalie MacDonald, who attended the morning of the VEMTC training day.
“Young people are the future of our organisation, and programs like this foster a passion that can last a lifetime,” said Deputy Chief Officer Rohan Luke, who visited the camp for dinner on Friday night.
Volunteer Programs Leader (Youth) Jen Clement said the event was a great way to foster enthusiasm in our young members.
“Our young members want to learn and are passionate about serving their communities as CFA members. This weekend demonstrated that not only are they the leaders of tomorrow, but they are fully engaged and capable of playing their part in the brigade today.”
The Youth Team at CFA would particularly like to thank the team at Central Highlands VEMTC, Ballan, Truganina and Lara Brigades for assisting with the day at VEMTC, the CFA VR and Aviation Teams, as well as CFA CEO Natalie MacDonald and DCO Rohan Luke for visiting the weekend.