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CFA Challenge Program is an annual, 12-day leadership development program open to all CFA members aged 16 and above.  Since 1994 more than 800 members have taken part in the Chairman’s Scholarship/Challenge Program.  Challenge 2017 will run from Saturday 14 January to Wednesday 25 January 2017 at Creswick and in Gippsland. The program aims to identify potential future leaders, and present challenges and experiences that will uncover and enhance their leadership abilities.

The first three days of the program are conducted at Melbourne University’s Creswick Campus, Creswick where participants explore their values and goals, and gain a greater understanding of their own motivators and personal interactions. The program enables participants to bond as a team and operate in a safe environment to maximise their learning potential and make the most of their time on the Challenge program.

These concepts are then put into practice as participants spend seven days in the bush, led by Outward Bound Australia, working to break down their own boundaries, overcome fears and test their team work and leadership abilities by completing a demanding, adventure based leadership and team development program, consisting of team building and adventure based activities including:

• Bushwalking
• White Water Rafting
• Abseiling
• Caving
• Orienteering
• Rock Climbing
• Canoeing

The Challenge 2017 program will provide participants with the opportunities to:

• Clarify personal values, and discover more about their potential;
• Develop leadership skills and attributes;
• Confront and overcome self-imposed limits;
• Learn how to better relate to others;
• Enhance self-motivation and personal performance; and
• Be a supportive and creative team member.

Andrea Bastow, from Kilmore Fire Brigade was a participant of Challenge 2016 and strongly recommends this opportunity to other members. “Whether you want to take the next step as a leader or if you want to learn more about what you are capable of, Challenge is the ideal experience for you” said Andrea.

“I not only picked up new skills and learned things about myself, but I’ve also build a bond and found lifelong friendships” she added.

“The CFA Challenge Program taught me that I can rise to any challenge – I can even climb a mountain apparently.” 

Katelyn Stares, now a senior member at Sebastopol, says if it wasn't for experiences such as the CFA Challenge Program, which she attended in 2014, she wouldn't be the person she is today. 

Past participants consistently describe Challenge as a ‘life changing experience’. It has become a highly regarded and sought-after development opportunity for which participants are selected on merit, enthusiasm and leadership potential.  Challenge runs 2 courses simultaneously - Group 1 - CFA members 16 & 17 years of age and Group 2 - CFA members over the age of 18 years.

Challenge 2017 applications will be open online from Monday 25 July and must be completed by the applicant, endorsed by the Brigade Captain/Line Manager and submitted to the local District Learning and Development Team by Wednesday 14 September 2016.

To apply, download the Application & Selection Guidelines and relevant Application Form from: 

Brigades Online/Intranet (https://cfaonline.cfa.vic.gov.au>Training>Course Information>Challenge). 

Enquiries This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Applications now open for CFA Challenge 2015 - a 12 day leadership development program for members aged 16 and over. Apply by 30 June. 

The Challenge 2015 program is conducted over twelve days from Saturday 10th January 2015 to Wednesday 21st January 2015 and provides CFA members with the opportunity to realise their leadership potential.

The initial three day classroom based personal development program will equip participants with personal skills that will enable them to understand communication preferences, personal emotions, reactions in people, and accept individual differences within their teams. By setting goals, understanding stress reactions and setting team values, the program enables participants to bond as a team and operate in a safe environment to maximise their learning potential and make the most of their time on the Challenge program.

Participants will then spend seven days in the Victorian bush completing a demanding, adventure based leadership and team development program, consisting of team building and adventure based activities including:

•              Bushwalking
•              White Water Rafting
•              Abseiling
•              Caving
•              Orienteering
•              Rock Climbing
•              Canoeing

The Challenge 2015 program will provide participants with the opportunities to:

•              Clarify personal values, and discover more about their potential;
•              Develop leadership skills and attributes;
•              Confront and overcome self-imposed limits;
•              Learn how to better relate to others;
•              Enhance self-motivation and personal performance; and
•              Be a supportive and creative team member.

COMPETITION: CFA’s 12 Week Get Moving Challenge

Get Moving is a state-wide competition for CFA volunteers and staff which challenges members to increase the number of steps they take in a day while shedding some kilos.

CFA members who sign up for the 12-week program (24 March – 17 June) receive a pedometer which they can wear during the day to keep count of their total steps. A drink bottle will also be provided to each registrant.

Due to current and recent fires, the competition will now be held one month later than originally advertised to allow everyone to participate. Members who have already registered will stay registered for the new dates.

About the Challenge

Participants are asked to report their average daily steps and their "before and after" waist measurement, and go into the running for one of 20 prizes including a treadmill, spin bike and $1000 sports equipment voucher. As well as prizes linked to results there are a number of generous random entry prizes.

Registrations

Registrations for the challenge close on March 18. Supplies of the bonus items are limited, so it's first in, best dressed. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register, or search for “Get Moving” on Brigades Online and register from there.