PCYC Queensland’s young cadets took part in ESCape Week last week – an unforgettable series of exciting, hands-on experiences, provided thanks to emergency service professionals giving them a taste of a career in emergency services.
Emergency Services Cadets (ESCs) can only be chosen to participate in ESCape week once, and this year’s group showed their bravery, tenacity and willingness to learn.
This year the cadets experienced marine rescue and water safety challenges, learned skills to help in alcohol related trauma and accidents, searched for missing persons, used fire-fighting equipment, and spent time with the bomb squad and polair.
PCYC ESC Program Coordinator Kerrieann Ruatoka’s highlight was seeing the students step out of their comfort zones and really engage with the different activities throughout the week.
“There was such a great sense of connection, energy, and growth. It was also really rewarding to hear the positive feedback from both students and staff about the impact the program is having,” Kerrieann said.
PCYC ESC Manager Sue Bernard enjoyed watching the Cadets grow from day one of ESCape Week, when they didn’t even know each other to becoming a great group of friends who take care of each other. It’s something she never tires of.
“The most memorable day was when I took a detour on our drive home from the Gold Coast, so that we got to spend a precious few minutes at the beach – which some of our regional Cadets had never seen before. That is a gift that will stay with me long after everything is done,” Sue said.
