OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBER DEVELOPMENT
The Membership Development Committee at Mentone LSC is committed to supporting the development of members across a range of areas in the lifesaving community. We are invited each year to support the nomination of individuals who wish to pursue pathways in their lifesaving role. There are some wonderful opportunities provided by Life Saving Victoria (LSV) and Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) every year which aim to develop leadership skills as well as practical skills. Below is a snapshot of some of these.
Champion Junior Lifesaver
Harvey and Sienna attended the LSV Junior Champion Lifesaver Day in February 2022. After taking part in a variety of lifesaving and leadership activities Harvey was awarded with the Team Player Award and Sienna as an Emerging Leader. We are proud of the way they represented our club and look forward to seeing their skills on display around our club in the years to come.
Applications for this program are advertised at Mentone LSC in January and 13 & 14 year olds who hold their SRC are invited to apply.
LSV Development Camps
U13 Development Camp
The U13 Development Camp aims to develop participants in the following areas:
- Develop participants confidence communication and team work skills.
- Broaden participants understanding of lifesaving.
- Facilitate an environment to develop a network of friends across the state.
- Introduction to the foundations of leadership.
- Provide a safe environment to participate in new experiences.
The camp is generally held in late March and Mentone LSC calls for applications from 12 & 13 year olds in January.
U15 Development Camp
The U15 Leadership Development Camp aims to develop participants in the following areas:
- Develop participants self – awareness, leadership and team work skills.
- Inspire participants to stay involved in lifesaving through broadening their understanding of lifesaving pathways.
- Facilitate an environment to develop a network of friends across the state.
- Exposure to fundamental SRC lifesaving skills.
- Encourage participants to make valued contribution back to their clubs.
The camp is generally held in May and Mentone LSC calls for applications from 14 & 15 year olds in February.
U18 Development Camp
The U18 Leadership Development Camp aims to develop participants in the following areas:
- Understanding the characteristics of effective teams, the stages of team development and meeting team member needs.
- Build knowledge of different personality styles and understanding how to best lead a team to suit the different styles.
- Develop participants communication, mentoring and coaching skills.
- Providing the opportunity to develop lifesaving skills through practical training.
The camp is generally held in November and Mentone LSC calls for applications from 16 & 17 year olds in September.
Angus and Gemma attended the LSV U13 Camp in March 2022. They loved the raft building activity as well as the tunnelling and first aid. Gemma said, "One of the messages from the camp which stuck with me is how to work well in a team, even with people you don’t know."
Star and Megan attended the U18 camp in November 2021. Megan said "It was refreshing being around people from other clubs that had the same interests as me. Everyone was lovely and although I was hesitant to go, I’m super glad I did. Great experience and got a lot out of it!"
Leadership development for 18-25 year olds
Both Life Saving Victoria (LSV) and Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) provide a range of programs suitable for our members in this age bracket.
Please see detailed information about these as follows:
- Building leaders scholarship program which provides a range of skill development activities and culminates in a trip to a third world country to apply these skills. Applications for this close in March. For more information please visit LSV Leadership and Development Programs
- National Leadership College. This is a full week program for lifesaving club members across Australia. Participants benefit from exposure to the larger national movement. Networking with members from clubs nationally is a highlight for participants as they share ideas and create new friendships and networks. This program is offered to 20-30 year olds and applications close in September, although the program runs in February. More information can be viewed at SLSA National Development Opportunities