A Dubbo teen and emerging leader of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has travelled new territory aboard the STS Young Endeavour.
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Seventeen-year-old Adam Lummis spent 11 days as a member of a youth crew sailing the tall ship.
The captain of the Orana RFS cadets embarked on the journey after successfully applying for a NSW RFS Young Leader Scholarship.
It recognises and develops the leadership skills of emerging young leaders in the NSW RFS.
A voyage aboard the Young Endeavour allows young members an opportunity to participate in the challenges of sailing a square-rigged tall ship, learning skills such as how to navigate, keep watch, set and furl sails, climb the 30 metre mast, take the helm and cook in the galley.
During the 11-day voyage, the scholarship recipient lived ‘between decks’ in a close community with about 27 other youth crew members from across Australia and was encouraged to identify and pursue personal and team goals and challenges.
Adam set sail on April 9 and returned to Sydney on April 19.
"This was such an amazing experience, meeting great people and developing skills that will assist me and my time in the NSW RFS in so many ways," he said.
"I strongly recommend this opportunity to other members in the future."
Adam was chosen as the recipient of the scholarship based on the merit of his application and the statement of support from Cameron Bruce, senior deputy captain of Dubbo Headquarters Brigade and with the endorsement of Lyndon Wieland, Orana zone district manager.
The teen landlubber had not sailed before but soon found his sea legs.
“It was not too bad, surprisingly,” he said.
The 11 days offered many opportunities and one particular moment will live in his memory.
“Climbing to the top of the mast on the first morning… about 6am, watching the sun rise over the ocean,” he said.
Adam’s involvement in the RFS continues a long family connection.
His mother Tracey Lummis and his uncle Danny Lummis have both been involved in the organisation for 17 years.
Adam began volunteering at the age of 12.
He encouraged other young people to consider joining the RFS.