In action at Cadet Camp
Teenagers from across the state honed their firefighting skills during the recent CFA Cadet Camp.
Around 40 teens camped at the Lady Northcote Discovery Camp in Glenmore over the weekend for the fourth annual camp, which included a day at VEMTC Central Highlands performing fire drills and working with thermal imaging.
The camp brings together CFA's youngest senior members, 16-17 years old, to enhance their skills, knowledge, teamwork and leadership through practical, hands-on training.
It was established to help address retention rates and strengthen engagement with teenage members.
Volunteer Sustainability Team youth programs leader Jennifer Clement said the camp was a great way for the young members to get to know peers with similar interests.
"It gives them the opportunity to build skills in leadership, teamwork, fire skills and there is huge opportunity for personal development," Jennifer said.
"We see young people nervous when they get there but by the end of the weekend they don't want to leave and say, 'We've had so much fun.'
"Fun is such a huge aspect of it... Having fun is when the learning happens."
Two participants this year, Mia Llewelyn, from the South Morang Fire Brigade, and Cody Polack, from the Warracknabeal Fire Brigade, said they enjoyed the camp.
"The camp members have definitely become like brothers and sisters to me and I am very fortunate for that," Mia said.
Cody said his highlight was the fire training at VEMTC.
"We got to see a real-life simulation of what you might witness on the fireground. Another highlight was making friends I will have for life," he said.
