In the early 2000s, Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner and his fellow firefighters brainstormed ways to offer mentorship and hands-on experiences to aspiring firefighters.
B次元官网网址淲e had been approached by kids asking how they could get in (and work at) the fire department,B次元官网网址� explained Comox Fire Rescue Capt Corey Brooks. B次元官网网址淲e (were wondering about how to) get youth involved.B次元官网网址�
Putting this idea into action, the Comox fire station joined forces with School District 71 to pioneer the first firefighter youth camp of its kind, aimed at introducing the regionB次元官网网址檚 high school students to the world of emergency services.
More than two decades later, upwards of 350 male and female students have graduated from the program that takes place once every two years.
After a five-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, the fire station welcomed 28 recruits, Grades 10 to 12, for an adrenaline-filled three-day onsite experience from March 15-17.
Brooks, along with fellow organizer Tracey McKinney, the work experience co-ordinator at Highland Secondary School, shared with the Record that while the initial camp stretched across seven days, logistical challenges prompted a shift to a shorter format.
Despite this adjustment, the program remains the same, providing participants with a thorough understanding of basic firefighting and first-aid skills as well as connecting with experienced personnel currently working in the world of emergency services.
From waking up at 6:30 a.m., to engaging in strenuous paramilitary-style training multiple times a day, performing drills, extinguishing a car fire, rappelling down a five-storey structure, and being woken up in the middle of the night to respond to simulated emergency calls, Brooks and McKinney noticed that the camp had a lasting positive impact on the students.
B次元官网网址淚t was absolutely outstanding,B次元官网网址� said James, a Grade 12 student at Highland Secondary School. B次元官网网址淓very single day, we (had) full-time exposure to real-life heroes and got to see what they do, how they train, how they eat, and how they sleep. ItB次元官网网址檚 a wonderful experience. I loved it!B次元官网网址�
Though it was a challenge for all 28 students, they unanimously agreed that the experience left them feeling more confident in both their abilities and as a cohesive team.
B次元官网网址淭he greatest challenge was understanding each other, with our weaknesses and strengths, as well as learning to work as a team,B次元官网网址� said Eva, a Grade 10 student at G.P. Vanier Secondary. B次元官网网址淚 think the best kind of learning happens in places like these, outside the classroom, with hands-on and real-life experience.B次元官网网址�
After the three-day camp, following a fiery inter-squad competition, the students, their parents, and the volunteer firefighting staff were filled with emotion as they watched their pupils graduate.
B次元官网网址淭he best part of my job is watching the students realize their future dreams,B次元官网网址� said McKinney. B次元官网网址淲e see them come alive and we watch them grow. By the end of (the camp), theyB次元官网网址檙e exhausted, but theyB次元官网网址檙e exhilarated and thatB次元官网网址檚 what we want to see.B次元官网网址�
Proving its success over the years, many camp alumni have pursued firefighting and emergency services careers across the province.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e had students come to us on the paid on-call side of things and weB次元官网网址檝e had students become firefighters in the military,B次元官网网址� said Brooks. B次元官网网址�(Some made it into the) Vancouver and Nanaimo fire departments. WeB次元官网网址檝e had so many of our students that just (went in) different avenues in terms of emergency services.B次元官网网址�
Brooks and McKinney expressed gratitude to local sponsors for providing meals during the camp, the Comox Firefighters Association for funding the event, and the firefighters volunteering their time to mentor the campers during their three-day stay.
For more information about the next firefighter youth camp and how to get involved, interested students can contact their schoolB次元官网网址檚 work experience co-ordinator.
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