What is the Lifesaving Development Camp?

The Lifesaving Development camp (or commonly known as 'Dev Camp')  is a 7-day live in program to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of young people to the next level.  

Since 2014, the camp has developed to suit the needs of our state and members and what has evolved is a program that prepares Tasmania's youth  take on more responsibility in their patrol teams, their own clubs and the wider community.  This is achieved by providing the young people who attend the Lifesaving Development Camp with a higher level of award training, and exposure to exciting, fast-paced simulated lifesaving scenarios. Camp attendees will use the standard patrolling equipment to manage ‘No Notice’ scenarios that become more complex as their skills develop. This style of delivery uses expert feedback to cement skills and knowledge in a relevant and practical medium.

Successful participants of the Lifesaving Development Camp will receive awards in First Aid, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques, Spinal Management, IRB Crewperson Certificate and Silver Medallion IRB Driver (If applicable). 

Scenario Based Training

The Lifesaving Development Camp trains using the Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) education model. ELT uses scenario based training to give candidates the opportunity to experience realistic emergency scenes to practice their lifesaving skills. Scenarios are designed and conducted under the guidance of specially trained facilitators and safety officers. While evaluations of the past programs highlight the value of scenario based training for development of candidate skills, some participants may feel some emotional stress participating in such realistic training.

Scenarios may include but are not limited to: spinal cord injury, heart attack, asthma attach, anaphylaxis, car or boating accident, burns, fractures, breaks, cuts and abrasions, missing person. If you have concerns about your ability to participate in these scenarios, please contact the Camp Coordinator (details above) to discuss your concerns.

The nomination process

The Lifesaving Development Camp is normally run every year depending on candidate interest.  Clubs in the past have been issued two placement spots for the camp, with spare positions available if a club does not nominate anyone.   Nominations October and are open to surf life saving members aged 16-21.   The application and nomination process will be publsihed online, in the SLST newsletter and sent to all club contacts.  

Cost

SLST partially subsidies the cost of the Lifesaving Development Camp.  The camp fee per candidate covers all accommodation, food, training and assessment , and transport (if required) during the camp.

Testimonials   

" Thank you SLST for running a world class program like this for the youth of Tasmania.  My child returned home as a completely new person and has not stopped talking about the camp!"
- Danielle, Candidate Parent, 2018

" The search and rescue aspects of the camp will enhance my patrolling abilities as will the greater knowledge and understanding of first aid treatments" 
- Leader, 2016

"The leaders and management team on the camp were incredibly warm and encouraging and i couldn't have asked for better people to take us through this experience.  I look forward to showcasing my new skills learnt back at my home club" 
- Candidate, 2016