Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
opportunities in different areas,” she says. “It was really intriguing to learn how youth development differs between branches – and this camp allows youths to connect with others from all over Queensland, which there isn’t much opportunity for otherwise.” Those sorts of challenges and conversations are where YEP really comes to life. Teams are tasked with creative problem-solving activities that blend leadership, planning and communication with a big dose of silliness. Whether it’s designing a photo story, working through a scenario, or trying not to be spotted from above, participants are constantly practising how to listen, contribute and adapt. Behind the scenes, those activities are mapped carefully against YEP’s objectives: building teamwork, communication skills, and inspiring future leaders for the organisation. SKILLS THAT LAST LONGER THAN A PROGRAM While the program itself only runs for a few days, the ripple effects are much longer. “The skills I gained will help me in the future as I got to do hard things,” Ebony says. “It also taught me to listen to my teammates because everyone has good ideas.” Taiga highlights communication as one of the biggest takeaways. “The most important skill I gained from the program was effective communication in a group,” she says. “This life skill is essential in the future, because young people need to be able to listen, interpret and share their thoughts effectively at work and in everyday life. Many youths struggle with effective communication, and the program gives a really valuable opportunity to develop and strengthen that skill.” That “doing hard things” piece is important. YEP is designed to give young members safe opportunities to stretch themselves – maybe it’s speaking in front of the group, leading
a task, or contributing an idea when you’re usually quiet. Facilitators and mentors support participants to push past nerves and discover what they’re capable of. At the same time, the program helps them see how those skills translate back to club life and beyond. Navigating adolescence, finishing school, starting work or uni – they’re all easier when you’ve had a chance to practise communication, problem-solving and leadership in a supportive environment. A LAUNCHPAD INTO OTHER PATHWAYS YEP doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s intentionally positioned as part of SLSQ’s broader development pathway: • Some graduates go on to the Leadership Excellence Program (LEP) once they turn 18, deepening their leadership skills and stepping into more formal roles. • Others might take on more responsibility on patrol, get involved in Lifesaving Development Program (LDP) or Advanced Lifesaving Development Program (ALDP), or move into youth, member or education roles at their club. Because participants spend the camp surrounded by peers and mentors from across Queensland, they leave with a much stronger sense of belonging to something bigger than just their home beach – and a network of contacts that could open doors in the future. “In the future, having lifesaving connections from across the state will be extremely useful as it opens different opportunities,” Taiga says. “JUST DO IT – YOU WON’T REGRET IT” For any 15–17-year-old (or their parents, age managers or club leaders) wondering if YEP is “for them”, Ebony has a clear message: “I would say to someone just to do it. You can get so much out of it if you just go all in and have a ball. Also, it’s just fun – and if you’re
scared, trust me, it’s okay if you are, because by the end of it you will not regret going at all.” Taiga’s advice is along the same lines – and starts with simply hitting submit. “For anyone pondering whether to apply, I would recommend submitting the application either way,” she says. “Doing so is the first step in stepping out of your comfort zone, and that’s something the camp encourages from the very beginning.” YEP isn’t about being the loudest, the most experienced, or the next patrol captain already mapped out. It’s about being curious, willing to have a go, and open to meeting new people from beaches right across Queensland. So if there’s a young member at your club who’s always putting their hand up, quietly helping behind the scenes, or just looking for their next step in lifesaving, keep an eye out for the next Youth Excellence Program dates and encourage them to apply. They might arrive feeling a little nervous. With any luck, they’ll leave a few days later with new mates, new skills, and a new sense of what’s possible – on and off the beach.
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