Young people involved in team and confidence building activities at an LSV course in 2009 (WN09-0025-30)
by Zen Gregor
Defence Communications Group
Rain, wind or shine it’s a 5am start for the Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) participants at Trentham military camp. By the third day of the course they are wearing uniforms, marching to meals, attending classes, and have had their first physical training session.
Echoes of "YES STAFF" can be heard across the camp as volunteers follow their instructors through various drills. LSV instructors command attention and are positive role models through the six week journey.
“Many instructors have had experience in youth work or in training roles within the Defence Force. The instructors are selected from all three Services and must have a passion for the role,” says Squadron Leader Pete Rowe from the Air Force.
Aged between 17-25, participants actively volunteer through the Work and Income area of the Ministry of Social Development.
They are put through their paces and share some challenging experiences. SQN LDR Rowe says, "tasks are set for them to problem solve and overcome as a team. There’s no place for individuality but there is a place for individuals to demonstrate leadership."
The LSV scheme is geared to assist young people to confidently enter the work force, and arm them with life skills. Many will feel they have a genuine chance at competing in a tight job market while others will find they can make positive choices for change.
LSV courses have been held at Burnham for several years but the scheme has recently expanded so that his year alone almost 2000 participants will go through LSV programs at Trentham, Burnham and Hobsonville.
"Significant changes are evident in the volunteers at the end of the program," says SQN LDR Rowe. "Namely a strong sense of self belief, self worth, confidence, and grooming and an increased ability to communicate.”