Leading teens brings reward

Geraldton man Cameron Williams did not get involved with the WA Police Rangers for the accolades, but he has certainly earned them.

Mr Williams, pictured, who recently won the award for WA Ranger Instructor of the Year, instead finds his reward in helping youngsters reach their potential.

“I used to be the manager of a franchise for seven years and I worked with a lot of teenagers there, and could really see that there’s potential in every single kid,” he said.

“In the Rangers program, you’re teaching some of these kids who have come from having hardly any confidence or leadership skills, and watching them grow and turn into leaders.

“It teaches young adults to be responsible and work as a team, builds their confidence, and it will also later assist them both in their everyday lives and in joining the police force.”

But the program is not just for aspiring coppers, nor do instructors need to be police officers.

Mr Cameron, who has a tour guide business, became an instructor partly because of his love of the outdoors. And while his knowledge of camping, four-wheel-driving and conservation were certainly useful, he found himself learning new skills as well as teaching them.

He said receiving the award for Instructor of the Year — which was presented by Mid West-Gascoyne District Police Supt Roger Beer — was “an honour”.

“It’s a good recognition of the hard work that the instructors put into the program,” he said.

“Based on what the co-ordinator had written for my nomination, I didn’t realise that I’d had an impact on these kids’ lives.”

The Police Rangers meet at 5pm every Monday during school terms at Geraldton PCYC.

Anyone aged 12-18 is welcome.

Activities include drill and ceremonial practices, navigation and land operations, physical training, community service and team development. Recruits’ new skills are put to the test at an annual survival camp.