Young Endeavour Youth Scheme

I completed my voyage in November 2021 after spending months in Melbourne lockdown. I had applied for the program a year earlier and when I unexpectedly received a voyage offer I ‘dropped everything’ in my life to partake. Thankfully, it was one of the most rewarding things I have done.

 

On board the ship ‘youthies’ participated in daily activities, sail training, ship maintenance and teambuilding challenges. Over the course of the voyage we worked as a team to support each other through a variety of different challenges: sea-sickness, sleep deprivation, the physical challenge of hoisting sails & the daunting task of climbing the mast and yards.

 

Before sailing the Young Endeavour, I was confident I understood the importance of teamwork and my own strengths in contributing to a team. I had previously usually gravitated toward authoritative roles, however on ‘Command Day’ (where youthies take over the ship for 24 hours in attempt to meet challenges set by staff) I took on the position of chef. It became my responsibility to remain in the galley, preparing breakfast, lunch & dinner for all youthies & staff aboard the ship. I soon learnt that food is not the only thing that serves as refuge for tired & stressed crew members – so does a smiling & enthusiastic person putting said food on your plate.

 

I gained a greater appreciation for the people who work behind the scenes in teams and I left the voyage with a greater sense of community responsibility. I was fortunate to receive the Young Endeavour Award for my contribution to the voyage.