Junior Volunteers

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The Junior Volunteer Development Program (JVDP) provides safe, enjoyable and challenging activities for young people aged 11 to 15 years of age.

The Junior Volunteer Development Program (JVDP), also known as Juniors/Junior Brigade, runs in over 160 brigades across Victoria and aims to introduce young people 11-15 years to CFA by providing them with the opportunity to become good fire safe citizens while engaging them in activities that:

build their self-esteem and self-confidence.
develop their ability to manage personal and social relationships.
create learning opportunities and to develop new skills.
encourage positive group dynamics.
build the capacity of young people to consider risk, make reasoned decisions and take control.
develop a world view which widens horizons and nurtures social commitment.

Find out about the application process

JVDP Activities

Junior members DO NOT respond to emergencies, however, JVDP activities are usually conducted at the local fire station, but may also involve excursions, camps and championship activities. Whilst each local JVDP program looks different and reflects the needs and interest of the local brigade and community, all programs work to build the skills of junior members in 5 key areas:

Knowledge of CFA history and competition
Understanding volunteering and community service
Emergency response skills
Teamwork and leadership skills
Familiarisation with all hazard types.

Each junior brigade is delivered by a team of junior leaders; members of the brigade who are 18 years plus, who have taken on the responsibility for leading the juniors.

All junior leaders hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) and all junior brigade activities have a minimum of two registered Junior Leaders facilitating activities.