Junior members from four northwestern CFA fire brigades were treated to a Challenge Camp over the school holidays, working on their teamwork, camaraderie and decision-making skills.
More than 40 camp goers gathered at Doxa’s Malmsbury’s Camp on July 6-8, including 29 juniors aged between 11 and 16 years old from Maiden Gully, Glenlyon, Gisborne and Heathcote Fire Brigades and their junior leaders.
CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Regional Commander Tim Holland made a guest appearance, joining in on the activities during both the day and the evening before presenting CFA value awards to six juniors.
Doxa’s is a not-for-profit organisation who support kids. They kindly organised transportation for brigade members on V/Line and facilitated activities during the day across the camp’s duration.
Maiden Gully Junior Leader Aleisha Shay said the camp was a huge success, and that the juniors brought an incredible amount of energy, enthusiasm and team spirit to every activity.
“Seeing the way the juniors supported each other and their ability to take on new challenges really demonstrated the true CFA spirit of teamwork – it was fantastic,” Aleisha said.
“Whether we were tackling the low ropes course, challenging their strategic thinking in the indoor activity, flying through the air on the giant swing, clambering up the Giants ladder or just cheering support around the GaGa pit, they represented their brigades incredibly well and we couldn’t be prouder.
“We mixed up the ages in the groups and it was so great to see them encouraging each other – and not just their mates. You could really see it in their connections from day one.
“We jam packed as many activities in there as we could, and the leaders got to have a go too which was great. We had a juniors vs leader and teachers dodgeball game and that got very competitive.”
While Aleisha said the GaGa pit was a highlight for everyone as it was an all-in activity, the games on offer after hours like the pool tables and the table tennis tables got a good run, as did the campfires and movies at night.
“You could go into any room and it’d be juniors from all brigades of any age, helping each other and having fun altogether,” Aleisha said.
“The camp could not have been possible without the generosity of our junior leaders and volunteers who took time out of their lives to help make the camp safe, successful and a heap of fun for everyone.”
11-year old participant from Maiden Gully Evelyn Shay said she enjoyed the camp and is very much looking forward to going again.
“I had so much fun heading up the giant ladder – I was so excited to get all the way to the top,” Evelyn said.
“I made lots of new friends from different brigades and I hope to catch up with them again.”
Evelyn’s brother 13-year old Reuben Shay also appreciated getting to know other brigade members and said the giant swing was his favourite activity.
