General News
28 June, 2024
Young cadets on fire
Cody Polack has been a member of the Warracknabeal CFA for just over five years, and recently took on the challenge of attending a weekend camp aimed at sharpening the skills of the organisation’s youngest senior members.
Cody Polack has been a member of the Warracknabeal CFA for just over five years, and recently took on the challenge of attending a weekend camp aimed at sharpening the skills of the organisation’s youngest senior members.
The fourth annual CFA Cadet Camp was held at Lady Northcote Discovery Camp in Glenmore.
Cody joined approximately 40 other 16- and 17-year-old CFA members at the Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre (VEMTC) Central Highlands.
The cadets were able to enhance their knowledge, leadership qualities, skills and teamwork through hands-on training as they performed drills and worked with thermal imaging.
Not only did Cody enjoy the camp, but he said it helped him learn and revise the essential skills needed when attending a fire.
"We learned and revised bowling a hose correctly, the best ways to attack a fire based on the circumstance and positioning, and other unwritten rules when dealing with a situation," Cody said.
"Highlights included attending VEMTC at Central Highlands, where all the 'firefighting' was conducted.
"Gas pads are located there, with mock situations like a fuel tanker, and other scenarios that are on fire, with the aim of us cadets putting out the fire."
Cody said every scenario was controlled and safe, and gave them the chance to apply their learned knowledge to a real fire.
Cody first became involved with the CFA when he joined the running team and encourages anyone over the age of 11 to do the same if they enjoy running.
He said another highlight of attending the camp was meeting fellow members from other brigades who would become lifelong friends.
"The CFA running team is a great way to become involved with a community organisation, plus adds a bit of competition," Cody said.
"On turning 16, l completed my general firefighter course, which allowed me to turn out to fires to assist and become part of our local crew."
The Cadet Camp was first established to help address the falling rates of retention in local brigades, and to strengthen engagement with brigade members in their teens.
Volunteer Sustainability Team youth programs leader Jennifer Clement said although the teens were often nervous when they first arrived at the camp, by the end, they didn't want to leave.
“Fun is such a huge aspect of it," Ms Clement said.
"Having fun is when the learning happens.”