Malmsbury Junior Challenge Camp 2026

 

Over the weekend (18-19 July) Maiden Gully Junior Brigade joined with Glenlyon, Gisborne and Heathcote Juniors as well as several 16-year-olds beginning their General Firefighter training, for a Junior Challenge Camp at the Malmsbury DOXA campsite.

 

The group brought so much energy, enthusiasm and team spirit to every single activity — whether they were tackling the low ropes course, challenging their strategic thinking, flying through the air on the giant swing, clambering up the Giant's ladder or just cheering support around the GaGa pit.

Eleven-year-old Evelyn said, “I had so much fun heading up the giant ladder. I got all the way to the top. And going down the giant swing was like ‘woosh’ so much fun. I really enjoyed the Malmsbury camp and I wish to go again. I made lots of new friends from different brigades and hope to catch up with them again”.

The Junior leaders were encouraged to see the way these young people supported their fellow Juniors, took on new challenges and demonstrated the true CFA spirit of teamwork.

Maiden Gully Junior Coordinator Aleisha Shay said, “It was fantastic. The Juniors represented their brigades incredibly well and they should be very proud of themselves”.

Aleisha organised the camp and has been planning in partnership with district staff and the DOXA venue. As a youth foundation and charity, the DOXA camp supports youth across Victoria by providing all children and young people access to positive opportunities and experiences. With new management at the Malmsbury site, they are keen to make a connection with CFA and potentially continue to provide a structured camp experience for many brigades. 

The Maiden Gully Juniors even took advantage of the standing agreement the DOXA camp has with V/Line and were able to access free travel for booked groups. Free facilitated transport would potentially provide any brigade from Swan Hill to Traralgon an opportunity to attend a camp similar to this one.

Everyone involved in the 2026 Malmsbury Junior Challenge Camp give a huge shout-out to the amazing leaders and volunteers who generously gave up their time, stepped away from their daily lives and worked around the clock to make this camp safe, successful and fun for everyone.

Reuben, a Junior who attended, gave his final thoughts.

“I had lots of fun getting to know the other brigades and doing the giant swing. Also the food was very good,” he said.

Brigades considering organising camps or similar activities can access useful resources by contacting their local district office or going to the Youth page on Members Online.

 

Submitted by	Alex Reid