If you saw them suspended 100 feet up a mast above the heavily rolling wooden deck of Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the four dedicated Australian Army Cadets onboard were actually promising young sailors.

 

In September, Cadets CDTWO2 Norman Hansen, CDTSGT Shaun Washington and CDTSGT Kaitlyn Champion, and CDTLCPL Kirah Lynn Gustafson were selected to participate in a twelve-day Young Endeavour voyage which had them sailing from Darwin to Broome past the spectacular and rugged Kimberley coastline.

 

“We visited King George River, Bigge Island and Yampi Sound,” 17-year old Shaun said, “I especially loved Bigge Island as it was a good place to explore with its aboriginal art and interesting surroundings.”

 

Rather than fostering sailors, the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme’s mission is to provide young Australians with a unique, challenging and inspirational experience at sea that increases their self-awareness, develops their teamwork and leadership skills, and creates a strong sense of community responsibility. Sail Training is the vehicle used to achieve this worthy mission.

 

“We learnt how to sail a Tall Ship, but we also learnt a lot about ourselves,” Shaun said.

 

The Royal Australian Navy operates and maintains Young Endeavour on behalf of the young people of Australia. The program is designed to be upbeat, entertaining, flexible, energetic and fun. Young Australians who join the ship are taught seaman-like skills including rope work, deck work, climbing the mast, and, of course, sailing. But most importantly, the focus is on building teamwork and encouraging leadership.

 

“Before the trip, I expected working with complete strangers to be a challenge,” said Kaitlyn, who celebrated her 18th birthday during the voyage, “but before I knew it we were working together as a team and talking as though we had known each other for years!”

 

The Cadets enjoyed the voyage and the program immensely, and were quick to sing its praises.

 

“This was a very worthwhile trip to be on and I highly recommend it to all young Australians,” said 18 year old Norman.

 

16 year old Kirah Lynn agreed, “It was one of the best experiences of my life!”

 

The four Australian Army Cadets from Darwin were sponsored by HQ NT AAC Battalion to undertake a voyage aboard Young Endeavour through the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme Scholarship Program.
 
Voyages in Young Endeavour are open to all Australians aged 16-23. For more information please visit www.youngendeavour.gov.au.