Earlier in January, some of our Youth represented Albany Surf Life Saving Club at the SLSWA Youth Development Camps held at the SLSWA South West Development Centre. Oliver P, Jordan B and Sophie L attended Rise Up camp, while Lincoln W, Sophia R, Mitchell E and Mahayla attended TOAD camp. These youth had an amazing time, here is some of their stories:
Oliver loved the abseiling and enjoyed meeting people from all over WA, and was put to the test as group leader for early morning fitness, as apparently it’s quite hard to get a group of young people to listen to instructions!
Sophie L enjoyed new experiences and working with new friends in team building activities at Rise Up while conquering different fears. The 7km hike in 30 degree plus weather was a tad hot for an Albany teen!, but Sophie got on and did it anyway. Well done Sophie! Sophie also appreciated learning about future opportunities in surf life saving.
Mahayla and Sophia loved coasteering, surfing and getting to know lots of other really friendly people during free time at TOAD. The camp was a great opportunity to learn new skills and build confidence in surf life saving areas, although the radio sessions were hard work.
Mitch loved the coasteering, it was heaps of fun and a challenge. It pushed him to learn some new skills and the scenery and wildlife was awesome, even the Bronze Whaler!!
Mitch made some great friendships with like-minded youth from all over WA and hopes they will have another camp together again. The camp leaders were great and Mitch would like to work towards being a leader in the future. Mitch learned that even though he felt a bit nervous it was worth putting himself out there to meet new people and make new friends, and pushed himself out of his comfort zone with a team building skit. Nice one Mitch!
Lincoln enjoyed the surfing and coasteering the most, and learned more about radios and better surfing techniques. The early morning fitness session were a bit rough on a tired teen (!), but still worth it.
If anyone is given the opportunity for future Rise Up and TOAD camps, all the Albany campers said they would highly recommend they take it. The camps were awesome, plus the food was delicious especially the dessert!
Oliver, Jordan, Sophie, Lincoln, Sophia, Mitch and Mahayla unreservedly thank Albany Surf Life Saving Club and the Inglis family for the opportunity and support to attend TOAD and Rise Up camps. The camps were an amazing opportunity to learn, to develop, to share and to be challenged. Thank you!!!
Rookie Lifeguard Program
Following Rise Up camp, Sophie L signed up for the Rookie Lifeguard Program.
This camp was next level – with learning how to safely rescue a submerged person, different search patterns and responding to out-of-the box rescue scenarios. Sophie experienced being a group leader for rescues and learnt about the opportunities for lifeguard positions with SLSWA.
Sophie undertook a lifeguard mission, all in an effort to achieve her Silver Medallion! Awesome work Sophie, we are very proud of you for rising to the challenge!