If you like adventure and learning new skills then look no further then the Australian Army Cadets Unit based in Lithgow.
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Having to close due to COVID-19 restrictions, the unit is having their first night back on Thursday, October 15.
To celebrate their return, the group is calling on members of the public to come and see what Cadets is all about. They have a bunch of fun activities lined up and a pizza party celebrating their return, and the night will kick off at 6.30pm.
The group runs activities such as first aid, adventuring in the bush, navigation, radio communication, survival and army-like activities.
They meet up on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm until 9.30pm at the Marrangaroo Army Base at the end of Reserve Road.
Anyone aged between 13 and 17 years of age is welcome to join and should bring a water bottle, pen and notepad.
There will be social distancing of training groups, sanitiser stations and a COVID Marshall, as well as entry questions upon entry to the base.
Normally the base has a big recruitment drive during ANZAC day but since this year the event was cancelled, the group has had to come up with other ways of getting people to sign up.
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"I think it is a good opportunity for youth to make life long friends and skills such as leadership, first aid, gaining a network of people outside of the school community and it is a really friendly bunch of people," Defence Approved Adult Helper and Assistant Training Officer Elizabeth Balzke said.
"We have heaps of fun outdoors doing activities in the bush such as map skills and radio signalling, we also go on weekend camps which are really fun.
"It is based on army tactics but in a more youth friendly approach."
Ms Balzke said it was run by cadets for cadets.
Each week the group learns a theory or practical lesson such as radioing, drill, adventuring, has a mess dinner before another lesson which could include a night time activity outside which helps with team building and problem solving.
"We accommodate everyone, we recently had a participant who was in a wheelchair and we have had others who live with mental disabilities, so no matter who you are, you will be accepted here," Ms Balzke said.
"We are always looking for people to come and join so we welcome everyone with open arms."
If you are interested in joining the cadets head down to the base on a Thursday evening or contact Marrangaroo Army Camp via their Facebook Page or phone 63513053, alternatively you can fill out your details at their website here.
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