CONGRATULATIONS to Sam Hyde, Windjana Chester, Tahlia Walton and Maddison Churchouse who attended the Hunter Surf Lifesaving Junior Lifesaver of the Year Camp last week.

These four exceptional young people represented the Hawks Nest Surf Lifde Saving Club with pride, during the three days of activities, held at Anna Bay Retreat and Birubi Surf Life Saving Club.

These young club members have already gained their Surf Rescue Certificate, which is their first stepping-stone, following Nippers, within the senior patrolling ranks and take their place willingly every fortnight on patrol to ensure Bennetts Beach is safe for our community and visitors alike.

Whilst at the camp our young members participated in a variety of activities including team building, board paddling and other lifesaving skills development.

Guest speakers from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, SLSNSW, Australian SLS Champions and past Junior Lifesavers of the Year also shared experiences and knowledge with the participants.

A major focus of the camp this year was the planning of some innovative ideas, by these young participants, in mixed club groupings.

These were then jointly presented by the youth members to the Hunter CEO Rhonda Scuton, the Director of Member Services Steve Knight and the Director of Education Debbie Booth, who provided feedback on each plan’s feasibility.

Ideas included a communication app, sister club activities, Inclusive Nippers (for kids with disabilities), a youth skills and development program and a club exchange program.

The quality of the presentations certainly impressed the panel so much that these ideas will now be presented to the thirteen Hunter club presidents at their next Branch meeting in February.

A big thank you also to club stalwart and support operations member Tony Logue, who took the RWC (jetski) across to Birubi and provided the cadet members with first-hand experience on this vital piece of rescue equipment, as well as lots of fun!