Scout groups get firie tour

WHILE many might picture the setting of a Scouts’ excursion taking place within nature and the outdoors, members from the region were recently treated to a different sort of visit.

Scouts from the Mount Clear and Creswick groups took a break from rope-tying and campfires to tour one of the CFA’s training facilities and learn what goes into being a volunteer firefighter.

The Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, and their leaders took a trip to the Ballan-based Victorian Emergency Management Training Campus.

The facility’s practice area drills supervisor Will Hodgson led the tour and said he hopes it will attract more Scout groups to visit the site.

“Young people like these Scout groups are the next generation of our community,” he said.

“What better way to showcase how CFA is involved with their community than seeing what goes on behind the scenes. Who knows, there may have been some future firies on the tour.”

The Scouts were given an up close view of various firefighter gear including thermal imaging cameras, personal protective equipment and breathing apparatuses.

A demonstration was also held by members of the Lara fire brigade, who fought simulated hot fire as part of a practice activity.

Scouts were able to ask questions after the tour, with topics of discussion including how practice area drills work and the number of trucks within the CFA’s fleet.

Ballarat District Scout leader Brad Pryor said the tour was a dual benefit for two key community groups.

“The visit has been a great opportunity for Scouts to partner with another valued community organisation,” he said.

“We are so grateful to CFA and especially Will for welcoming us and providing this incredible learning opportunity for our Scouts.

“This visit will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, and we hope it will inspire them to consider CFA as they continue their volunteering journey into adulthood.”