Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
For Ebony from Kawana Waters SLSC, that buzz was exactly why she applied. “I wanted to be part of YEP as I really enjoyed the past programs and couldn’t wait to meet even more people from surf clubs in Queensland,” she says. For Taiga from Southport SLSC, it was the encouragement of others that gave her the nudge. “I took part in YEP as I was recommended through the inspiring people around me,” she explains. “They encouraged me to attend the program to build life-long relationships and essential life skills such as effective communication and critical thinking.” YEP is SLSQ’s flagship development program for 15–17-year-old members, sitting within our broader member development framework alongside programs like the Leadership Excellence Program (LEP) and Lifesaving Development Program (LDP). It’s a 2–3 day, fully immersive camp designed to give young members a taste of the many different pathways within lifesaving – and a serious boost in confidence along the way. OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE (IN THE BEST WAY) The program is deliberately built to stretch participants just enough. Workshops and sessions explore topics like communication, teamwork and future pathways, while practical activities get everyone moving, thinking and collaborating. EBONY DESCRIBES IT AS: “An out-of-your-comfort-zone experience but with so many amazing memories to be made. It’s an experience to make so many special friendships with your team and room group.” Taiga agrees, and says YEP is much more than “just a camp”. “I would describe YEP as an opportunity to meet like-minded people who strive to make change in the world of lifesaving – on a local,
state or national level,” she says. “During the three-day program participants engage, learn and develop a range of skills – things like staying comfortable in uncomfortable situations and building rapport with a new group of people.” As a two-time participant, she’s seen that growth over more than one program. “I believe this program has allowed me to shape my personal characteristics through the important life lessons learnt during the camp, and I would recommend it to every youth across the state.” Those friendships and that personal growth are not accidental by-products – they’re core objectives. YEP is designed so that young, like-minded surf lifesavers come together, have fun and create lifelong connections, while also gaining a clearer view of the roles and opportunities that exist in clubs, branches and at state level. Participants are exposed to the “bigger picture” of surf life saving: patrol captaincy, club and branch roles, operations, education, member welfare and more. The idea is to help them see themselves not just as patrolling members, but as future leaders, educators, committee members and mentors. DRONES, PHOTO CHALLENGES AND HARD FUN Of course, none of that lands unless it’s fun. Ask Ebony her favourite part and she doesn’t hesitate: “My favourite thing about YEP was definitely the photo challenge and the hide and seek one with drones, as you got to create really fun ideas and run around a campsite looking for spots to hide in.” Taiga loved the people and the diversity of experiences. “Personally, the best part of YEP was being able to meet like-minded youth from across the state and learning the difference in
THE YOUTH STEPPING UP, HAVING A BALL LEANING IN, EXCELLENCE PROGRAM: When you walk into a Youth Excellence Program (YEP), the first thing you notice isn’t a lecture or a whiteboard – it’s energy. Laughter around the dining hall, teams huddled over a challenge brief, drones buzzing overhead as groups race to hide in the bush and outsmart the “search and rescue” crew.
54
55
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator