Thursday, July 28

Sac Metro Fire Camp

Last week, Josh attended Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District's Fire Camp. The four-day camp happens only once per summer. It is only open to 11, 12, and 13-year-olds and kids can attend one time only.

fire camp

Josh was initially nervous about attending a summer camp where he didn't know any of the kids. After the first day, he was hooked and by the last day, he was whining about how he'd miss his new friends.

fire camp strike team

The camp description according to their website states:

"During camp, the kids are grouped into “strike teams” of 8 campers, mentored and supervised by a professional firefighter. As the week progresses the teams take on a character of their own as they learn about the job of a firefighter and experience such activities as: putting out a flammable liquid fire with a fire extinguisher, climbing a 105’ aerial ladder truck, developing the traditional skills of a bucket brigade and hand pumper crew, learning water rescue and safety, auto extrication, and participating in a Kid’s Fire Muster."

fire camp search
Campers' masks were blacked out with duct tape and they had to search a room for the fire victim (aka an orange cone). Josh is keeping track of his teammate.

fire camp water hockey
The strike teams played "water hockey". The object is to use the fire hose and get the mop bucket to hit the other teams board.

fire camp training building
On the third day of camp, they went to a local burn training center. Josh learned how to use a fire extinguisher and got to climb this 100 foot aerial ladder.

fire camp bed fire
They also put out a "bed fire" with a fire hose. The bed is actually made of metal and the fire is a controlled burn that can be shut off in an emergency.

On the last day of camp, the teams spent the morning at a local water park learning water safety and rescue. Afterward, there was BBQ lunch and awards at a community center where families could join and watch the kids participate in a friendly competition.

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Bucket Brigade

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Water Hockey

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Make and Break

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Josh's team earned silver.

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All the firefighters who participated in this camp, including the photographer, volunteered their time. I am so grateful to them and our fire district because this was the experience of a lifetime for Josh.

1 comment:

Diane said...

I am sure the Fire Fighters in our family would be proud!