Charlene Smith
21-year-old Charlene works as a Sports Coach. She was a cadet for six years before becoming an Adult Instructor.
What inspired you to become an adult volunteer?
I got involved in the cadets initially through my family. My big sister and cousins were in the cadets so they were coming home every night saying: "We've done this. We got to fire", and I wanted to do that too. As soon as I was old enough I went and joined straight away. I loved it. So becoming an adult volunteer was a natural progression.
What activity do you enjoy most?
I'm an all-rounder kind of girl. I like fieldcraft, drill, map and compass, first aid, sports - there isn't one thing I could pick out.
What skills have you gained from being in the ACF?
Being in the cadets has given me the confidence to stand up in front of people and take charge. So now that I'm a sports coach, I can take lessons and classes. The ACF motto is To inspire to achieve, and that's what I try to do in my sports coaching career as well. I'm inspiring kids to achieve.
What advice do you have for someone thinking of joining the ACF as an adult volunteer?
If someone wants a challenge I would say come and volunteer because it is one big challenge, every day. When you overcome that challenge it's a great sense of achievement for yourself, seeing that child or even another adult volunteer that you've helped. It's great.
