PROJECT LEADER:
Sarah M. Dubose
COOPERATORS:
P. Allen Derrick - Columbia Fire Department
D. Turno - South Carolina State Firemen's Association, Aiken Public Safety
FUNDING AGENCY:
South Carolina State Firemen's Association
DESCRIPTION
A one-week summer camp experience has been developed to teach 13 and 14-year-old boys and girls junior firefighting skills and safety information. Campers will receive training in basic fire fighting skills, fire safety techniques, woodland fire fighting, and how to respond in emergency situations. As a member of a fire squad, each camper will receive a special T-shirt and rewards, and will visit the Humana Burn Center and the South Carolina Fire Academy.
SIGNIFICANCE
This challenging age group not being reached by "Get Fired Up" (grades 4,5,6) or "Freddie's Fire Smart Kids" (grades K-1) should respond favorably to a relaxed camp environment rather than a strict classroom curriculum. This approach will help prevent juvenile firesetting and increase awareness of indoor and outdoor fire safety habits, while teaching the campers about the fire service as a profession.