Last week, July 22 – 26, was the inaugural week of the Poole Family YMCA’s Camp First Responder.
Thanks to local partners, 25 camp participants ages 11 – 13 got to learn from experts at first responder agencies including police, fire, and emergency medical services.
“This was a great partnership and opportunity for our YMCA and our local first responders,” said Zack Stephenson, Associate Executive for the Poole Family YMCA. “Thanks to our board member, Don Johnson, who is also on the Garner Fire-Rescue team, for helping us making this happen.”
Campers spent each day of this one-week day camp learning about the different functions and skills from each first responder team.
On Monday, campers kicked off the week at the Raleigh-Wake County 911 Call Center, learning how Telecommunicators are the first to respond to an emergency.
On Tuesday, campers worked with the Garner Police Department to dust for fingerprints and learned about working a crime scene. They also got to drive golf carts and work with the K-9 units.
Garner firefighters instructed campers on Wednesday about how to dress out in firefighter gear, spray hoses and live in the fire station. They completed the day with an obstacle course.
On Thursday, local EMS workers led our campers in basic first aid and CPR skills. Campers also learned how to backboard and transport a patient.
On the final day of camp, campers split into three teams to rotate playing the roles of each first responder – firefighter, EMS or police – at a staged emergency scene. The campers demonstrated everything they learned throughout the week by donning safety equipment, performing a mock rescue, and reassuring the public.
Finally, campers received certificates congratulating them on their efforts in a graduation ceremony. They also got to take home stuffed fire dogs.
“We hope this camp will create interest in first responder careers and will encourage teens to participate in high school programs that prepare them for a life of public service,” said Don Johnson, Captain Community Risk Reduction Garner Fire-Rescue Inc.
A special thank you to all the partners who made this week happen including Garner Fire and Rescue, Garner Police, the Wake County 911 Center and Wake County EMS.
“We hope this program will serve as a model for future day camps,” said Zack Stephenson. “We want to continue partnering and hopefully inspire more campers and teens to consider a future in public service.”
Local news station CBS 17 attended the drills and shared them on television and online. Check out their story here.
For more information on the YMCA’s Camp First Responder, click here.
