Prepared to Serve: Halifax Youth and Volunteers Step Up at Field Day

In June, Halifax joined communities across the continent for Field Day – an annual emergency communications exercise that brings together amateur radio operators to simulate disaster scenarios and test off-grid capabilities.

Locally, The Salvation Army partnered with the Emergency Management Office, and the Halifax Amateur Radio Club for the event where volunteers practiced emergency response skills during simulated wireless communication failures.

The Salvation Army was on site throughout the weekend, supporting participants just as they would in a real emergency. Volunteers operated entirely off-grid, using generators and propane to serve hot meals, snacks, and drinks to radio operators, emergency personnel, and visitors.

“These exercises are important because they help our volunteers become comfortable with the equipment and understand how to safely prepare meals during an emergency,” said Martina Stephens, emergency disaster services (EDS) specialist with The Salvation Army. “We’re running entirely off generators and cooking with propane – not something most people do every day – so this is a great opportunity to practice those skills in a realistic setting.”

The EDS team served more than 100 meals, distributed nearly 200 snacks and handed out 145 drinks to those onsite. Nearly 70 volunteer hours were contributed, including time from youth volunteers such as 13-year-old Mattea Stephens.

Mattea was all smiles behind the serving window. “I love volunteering and helping in any way I can. I did this event last year and loved it,” she said. “I like the smiles on people’s faces when I hand them a plate of food to fill their bellies. And I love meeting new people.”

This year, Mattea also stepped outside her comfort zone by participating in amateur radio operations – even attempting contacts in French.

“Using my French and trying to make a contact wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be, but I was still nervous,” she explained. “I’ve been in French immersion since grade six, so I’m still learning. I wrote down what I was going to say in case I forgot, and even though I was nervous, I made a successful contact. I got more confident the more I practiced.”

Youth, like Mattea, play an important role in emergency preparedness, and their presence at opportunities like Field Day reflects the next generation’s growing interest in serving their communities.

“I think it is great to see kids and teens volunteering because it is great for them to have that experience and I think people like to see youth helping out and off of their phones!” she said. 

These simulations help The Salvation Army practice safe, effective service in crisis – so they’re ready when it counts.

“A little bit of work goes a long way for those we help!” Mattea added.

To learn more about our EDS team or to volunteer in your community visit, salvationarmy.ca.