The Youth Leadership Group is made up of 7 members who attended the Surf Life Saving Illawarra Leadership Camp in 2000. The group meets monthly to discuss the success of projects that have been undertaken and ideas for new activities, with the current interest being the creation of this web site.

MISSION STATEMENT:

To develop greater interest among young surf life savers to take on Executive roles within their clubs as well as become leaders/mentors for the younger club members.

MEMBER PROFILES:

WHAT WE HAVE DONE:

The Surf Life Saving Illawarra Leadership Camp was held in April 2000 for 16-25 year old members of local surf clubs. The Camp gave the lifesaving leaders of tomorrow an opportunity to learn and participate in an environment of activities that proved beneficial to the participants, their respective clubs, and the beach-using community. Lectures, workshops, physical activities, leadership/team building exercises, and information sessions were held to develop the skills of the participants in many areas of lifesaving.

One major issue raised at the Camp, was the effectiveness of communications between club members, clubs, and the Branch. The Youth Leadership Group (made up of participants from the camp) has been meeting monthly and undertaking projects to raise funds to improve this communication.

To date, these projects have included:
- A raffle was conducted at the Tom Jones Concert at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre in June 2000. Over $900 was raised at this event.
- The advanced premier of "Return To Me" starring David Duchovny and Minnie Driver was held at Hoyts Warrawong in July 2000. This proved successful with 75% of tickets being sold and raising $500.
- A Trivia Night was held in September 2000 at Woonona Bulli RSL Club. $500 was made and a good night was had by all.
- Rusty's Nightclub played host to a "Traffic Light" party in December 2001, which raised over $1,100.
- In November 2000, Dapto Dogs Greyhound Association donated the Youth Leadership Group with a Greyhound to be raced. A name-the-dog competition was held - the winning name was "Beach Patrol" - and all money raised went towards buying new radios for Bellambi Surf Life Saving Club after the unfortunate theft of their equipment.
When "Beach Patrol" races, half of his winnings are received by the Youth Leadership Group. This far, he has won $500 for the Group.
- Raffles are held at the annual Branch Presentation night, which is attended by all clubs. Prizes such as wetsuits, sunglasses, and liquor ensure that a lot of money is raised.

Recently, each club was presented with a cheque from the Youth Leadership Group to purchase computer software which will electronically join the clubs to Surf Life Saving Illawarra and Surf Life Saving New South Wales. This will begin to improve the effectiveness of communications and operations between the clubs and the Branch.

HOW TO BECOME INVOLVED:

· Decide if you would like to become involved.
· Email a member of the Youth Leadership Group.
· Attend the next meeting.
· Meet the current members.

[email protected]

All 16 - 30 year old members of Surf Life Saving Clubs within the Illawarra Branch are welcome to join the Youth Leadership Group.