During the last weekend of May, Damascus College Year 8 student Maddison (Maddi) Ponsonby and Year 10 student James Gunn, attended a trial of the ‘Chief of Army Cadet Challenge’ at the Simpsons Barracks in Watsonia.

The Chief of Army Cadet Challenge trial, if you are successful, leads to a place at the national competition. that gathers the best cadets from each state to compete against each other in a 48-hour epic battle for supremacy. Out of 30 applicants only 10 could be selected to make the Victorian team.

The trial is a gruelling weekend adventure that challenged the mental and physical capabilities of each participant. The trial started with a physically tough, time-limited 5km walk over hilly terrain while lugging a rifle and around 10 kg of extra weight. Following that was a beep test and a swim test. The next day focused on practical assessments that consisted of first aid, radio procedures, navigation, field engineering (knots and building structures with minimal supplies) and teamwork.

Congratulations to Maddi, whose success at the trial has earned her a spot to represent the Victorian team to compete at the National event to be held in Canungra, Queensland. James despite a valiant effort unfortunately just missed out. Such an incredible effort and a great achievement by both, something to be very proud of.

Both Maddi and James had a challenging but rewarding experience that pushed them to the edge mentally and physically. Maddi said, “Chief is one of the greatest experiences I've ever had and I'm very happy I gave it my best shot because I got into the Victorian team.”

Good luck to Maddi in the upcoming ‘Chief of Army Cadet Challenge’ in Queensland. We wish her all the best.

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