St John Academy State Camp inspires WA’s next generation of leaders
Young people from the St John Academy have been put through their paces across four action-packed days at the inaugural 2026 Academy State Camp.
Held at the Ern Halliday Recreation Camp in Hillarys from 4-7 July, the event brought together young people from across Academy Divisions in Western Australia to connect, build skills, and grow in confidence within a fun and supportive environment.
The St John Academy develops 12-17-year-olds as community leaders, equipping them with life-saving skills and a strong foundation for future healthcare careers.
More than 30 young people from Morley, Warnbro, Woodridge, Ellenbrook, Joondalup, Wundowie and Northam Academy Divisions attended this year’s camp.
Team members got the opportunity to participate in high-adrenaline outdoor activities like caving and giants swing, as well as yarning circles for NAIDOC Week, trivia nights, group games and more.
The highlight of the weekend was the State Competition Day, held at the Western Australian Police Academy in Joondalup.
After months of practice, each group put its first aid, leadership and teamwork skills to the test in simulated real-life scenarios, assessed by some of WA’s finest paramedics.
St John WA Clinical Lead, Nick Overington, began his journey as a cadet and was adjudicating at the Competition Day.
“It’s been nice to support where I came from within this organisation and show the young people here what their journey could look like if they are interested in becoming a paramedic,” Nick said.
Moulage actors were positioned throughout the village-like site, complete with hyper-realistic wounds, injuries and illnesses to create authentic emergency situations.
Woodridge Academy were crowned the winners of the competition, with Joondalup and Northam finishing second and third.
Amelia Speed from Woodridge and Mitch Gernon from Morley both received individual awards for their skills and teamwork.
“I want to become a paramedic so doing this camp will help me build my skills and do the career I want to do,” Amelia said.
“St John Academy just builds you up – not just your first aid skills but it builds your confidence, you can make new friends, and you learn leadership,” Mitch said.
The Woodridge team will go on to represent Western Australia at the National St John Youth Camp next year.
Volunteer Division Leaders were thrilled to see how far their team members have come since the St John Academy launched last year.
With many Academy team members using the weekly program as a pathway into healthcare, St John WA is proud to be helping develop the paramedics, nurses and doctors of the future.
“We believe we are creating the young leaders of tomorrow who, if needed by the community, will have the confidence to step forward if required,” Megan O’Donnell, St John WA’s Chief Emergency Officer, said.
Learn more about the St John Academy.
