On Friday -2-August the Emergency Service Youth Academy of Bogota held it’s Orientation Duty Day for Class 08. This year the Academy returned to Bogota High School as its home base. Some recruits walked up Henry Luthin Pl, while a line of Parents driving their recruits formed a circle around the lower parking lot. The recruits were met by two Instructors who asked them what is the reason they made their Parents wake up so early to start the weekend. They were also asked question about what they brought for lunch, was there enough food to share with the Instructors, did they thank their Parents for driving them. And one of the final question was why are they still standing here when the need to go to the Gym. If a recruit was not moving fast enough up the hill, a Instructor would follow them to increase their speed, or they would be met by more Instructors who told them they now need to move at “Academy Pace”. At the door to the gym they were met by another Instructor who gave them their Uniform number and told them to form up before going into the building.
When the clock moved to 07:30 the recruits entered one at a time. They were greeted by Program Director Sgt Craig Lynch, he talk to some of the arrives, welcoming the first year Student, and thanked those who were coming back for a second or third time. Once in Speary Gym the recruits encountered the next Instructor who informed them of what should happen next. This was done with the aid of a bullhorn. Lunches need to be place in a bin, Homework in a milk crate, other paper work needed to be kept. When these tasks could not be completed quickly and properly there were consequences. When all the recruits were seated in the bleachers Sgt Lynch and New Program Administrator Elizabeth Wieskus “Ms Wieskus” talk about what will happen next. Both emphasized that succeeding at the Academy is simple, just follow the Instructors commands, when given, as soon as possible and with a full effort. The actually task will be hard at first, then the orders will be more comfortable to as skills were learned. Another point they made was that everything the recruits will be asked to do is within their limit. The recruits may not know what to do, but the Instructors do. The Instructors will work with the recruits to build their confidence so they can improve. If anyone feels over stressed, or ill, they can inform an Instructor so they can be looked after. Finally the recruits were told to just keep breathing, In through the nose, and out through the mouth. Then the recruits were left alone.
Soon afterward a flood of Instructors stormed the gym asking questions, demanding answers, and ordering the recruits to move all at the same time. Instructors wanted to know why things “are not happening now!!!!” Others were wondering why their question has not been answers yet. Then orders became faster than the words they were saying could be heard, the recruits were given orders to stand along the walls. And even more questions were asked. Also more commands given at the heighten pace. The one end of the recruit line up was order to move to the front of the line. Then others had to follow them, a brief stop was made, and again more questions. Then the line was to move again. The recruit found themselves circling Speary Gym almost two times. When this was done, then it was time to go to the back courtyard for more directions. Running in Place, Push-ups, Front lean rest, answering questions, learning how to project their voices, all not as fast as the Instructors wished for. Then everyone back into the gym. They needed to stand in formation. Move when told, with a purpose, Push-ups needed to be done if a task was not up to standard. But if the recruit was not fast enough in getting down they had to try again, by standing up just as quick, then back down even quicker. At time three instructors were giving orders to one recruit, at the same time to all the recruits without pause. In the mist of the whirlwind of orders one or two Instructors, and some of the Interns, personally and calmly talked to each recruit and showed them how to perform better. Whether it was how to hold the arms by their side, or how to stand comfortably while at attention in order to reduce fatigue on the young recruits.
During a break the recruits’ civilian clothes were replaced with Emergency Services Youth Academy uniforms. Then recruits were placed into one of five squads and drill instruction began. Recruits learned how to form into neat and orderly lines, how to march in unison and how to listen to the Drill Master voice in order to know how fast or slow to move. Instructions continued after lunch but with a more stated purpose. Some recruits were talked to privately and given the opportunity to become squad leaders. They were told what was to be expected of them if they chose this leadership position. After the recruits were pushed to their physical and emotional limits .... then stop. Calm and quiet return to the gym. Recruits had a chance to rest, take a breath, get a drink and wonder what has just happened to them. Sgt Lynch and “Ms Wieskus” returned to let the recruits know one of the hardest days was complete. They have worked from past their fears, frustration and doubts and survived the day. It also shows the newest Cadets the possible rewards of being a member of the finest Summer Youth academy in the State of New Jersey
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These may be order from the Bogota Blog NJ Zenfolio store at: Bogotablognj / ESYA
( To help support Bogota Blog NJ with its coverage of Local stories & sports
please contribute at: donate to Bogota Blog NJ )
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