New cadets experience a fun and faith-filled Orientation Week
- deansimpson7
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
BY LERISSE SMITH
Laugh, learn – and love much!
These three powerful words set the tone for an unforgettable Orientation Week for this year’s nine cadets of The Salvation Army’s Rescued session at Melbourne’s Eva Burrows College.
The special event held this week centred on exploring what to expect in 2026, introductions to the rhythm of college life, invitations to reflect on their journey of becoming in Christ, opportunities to celebrate and worship in community, as well as time and space to embrace unplanned moments of grace.
“Orientation Week offers a sacred, life-giving encouragement designed for the cadets’ growth,” said Captain Kylie Herring, Leader Officer Formation at Eva Burrows College.
“We encourage the cadets to open their hearts fully to the experience – to laugh, learn and love much!”
The 2026 cadets of the Rescued session are: Caleb Gorringe (Long Jetty Corps, NSW), Jessica Gorringe (Long Jetty Corps, NSW), Chantal Tait (Kwinana Corps, WA), Mike Salomo (Macarthur Corps, NSW), Rachelle Atkinson (Mandurah Corps, WA), Reuben Van Gaalen (Coffs Harbour Corps, NSW), Yasmin Van Gaalen-Prentice (Waverley Corps, Vic.), Bramwell Nemhara (Perth Fortress, WA) and Wati Seeto (Fiji).
A defining verse marked the beginning of the cadets’ big week: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect well” (Romans 12:2).
An exciting, jam-packed week of fun, fellowship and friendship shaped Orientation Week.
The many highlights included an ‘Amazing Race’ around the college, dinner with new territorial executive leaders Colonels John and Lani Chamness, and orientation formation sessions covering personal, spiritual, educational, theology, mission and ministry streams. Dark Side of the Rainbow, an immersive music and film experience, also formed part of the week’s program.
Sacred pauses throughout the week allowed the cadets to reflect on their new life journey.
To cap off the week, the cadets are taking part in ‘Prison Island’ – a team-building and problem-solving adventure today held offsite in the city, followed by a retreat day at the Botanic Gardens tomorrow and a special ‘Cadet Welcome’ service at Camberwell Corps on Sunday.
Kylie said the Rescued session was the largest intake in The Salvation Army’s territory for some time – an exciting milestone for all.
Fifteen cadets are currently in Officer Training College, including six cadets of the 2025 ‘Proclaimers of the Transformation’ session.
“It is certainly an answer to prayer, and we are thankful for corps officers across the territory who are working to identify, equip and empower emerging leaders,” Kylie said.
Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas said she was encouraged by the fresh intake of cadets.
“I am rapt that we have nine new cadets this year, on top of the six already in session,” she enthused. “And we have made auxiliary-lieutenants officers over the past months and there’s more to come.
“God is doing his new thing and l am so grateful. Join me in thanking God and praying for more leaders!”
