A summer camp starting in July is set to turn up the heat and possibly set people on the path toward a career in firefighting.
In its fourth year, the Fire Cadet Camp offered by Red Wood Emergency Services is structured into three levels. Two Level I programs are being offered this year to help feed the more advanced camps.
Level 1, which will be held July 18 to 21 and Aug. 8 to 12, teaches the basic of fire extinguisher use, fire fighting gear, first aid and CPR.
Level II, scheduled for July 25 to 29, gets into more advanced skills including hazardous materials training, fitness and advanced first aid and CPR.
Level III is the last segment of the progression and delves into fire fighter survival, fire attack strategies, vehicle extrication and more.
Capt. Gary Robertson, who co-ordinates the camps, said they are a great way to learn new skills, stay active over the summer and possibly start a career.
He added a graduate from last year’s Level III camp has since turned 18 and applied to the Redwood Meadows Fire Department’s recruitment program.
While fostering an interest in a career as a fire fighter is the ideal outcome of attending the camps, Robertson said they are also a way to keep busy and learn practical skills. The first aid courses, for example, are fully certified.
The camps focus on youth between the ages of 14 and 17, a target range that Robertson said was done deliberately because camps for that age group are limited.
Cost to attend the camp is $300 and Robertson said that fee basically covers the costs and is not designed to make money.
For more information checkout rmes.org.
