The Royal New Zealand Navy’s School to Seas wāhine camp expanded the horizons of Southland Girls’ High School pupil Thaeya Hoyle alongside 31 others.
The Bluff teenager, who turned 17 during the week-long camp, could not think of a better way to spend her birthday.
"It’s a real eye-opener into what it’s really like."
A flooded chamber at the Sea Safety Training Squadron’s damage control school taught her how to plug leaks in a simulated ship’s compartment as it filled up with water.
"That was a favourite. Also taking part in the navigation exercise was quite cool."
Being away from home at Auckland’s Devonport Naval Base was challenging but everyone became close to each other - pupils shared bunk rooms aboard HMNZS Canterbury and ate meals together.
School to Seas project lead Lieutenant-commander Emily Kutarski said the camp aimed to give wāhine a taste of life aboard navy ships, as well as break down stereotypes and barriers that may prevent women from enlisting in the navy.
"The participants met with many of our young servicepeople who, not long ago, were in their shoes, trying to decide what to do after school," she said.
The camp aimed to empower young women with confidence and curiosity about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (or Stem) careers in the marine industry.
The year 12 and 13 school pupils gained hands-on experience with machinery, robotics and electronics.
They planned and executed a real naval navigation exercise, using a bridge simulator, and developed resilience and leadership skills during workshops from women in leadership.
Serving her community is another of Thaeya’s passions.
"I’m the youngest member of my local fire brigade and one of the only females.
"My dad is the deputy chief, so I really hope to continue on the family tradition.
"It’s another fun and cool way to be of service and give back to my community, just like the navy does.
"When I was a kid doing Sea Scouts we got to tour the navy ships. Ever since then I’ve thought the navy is completely up my alley.
"I also really want to be an engineer and I study physics, engineering and maths, so the camp was just awesome for me."
- Staff reporter
