SCOTTSBURG, Ind. (WDRB) — The Scottsburg Fire Department is sounding the alarm for the city’s fifth annual Fire Camp.
More than 100 campers took part in the two-day camp, learning a wide range of fire safety tips while having fun. From cooking safety to electrical hazards, kids got hands-on lessons from firefighters, along with guidance from police and emergency service assistants.
Campers also had a chance to learn about specialized responses, including aviation first responders.
Braxtin McFadden, a returning camper, said the experience has stuck with him.
“I’ve been doing Fire Camp for three years now. And I want to keep my tradition on,” McFadden said.
He said the camp taught him to check smoke alarms and how to react in a smoky environment.
Scottsburg Fire Chief James Richey said the goal is to give kids skills they can use now and later in life.
“Not only is it things that can keep them safer as children, but it’s also something they can carry with them into their adult life,” Richey said.
Richey also hopes the camp inspires future community volunteers and firefighters.
“To maybe help them decide, hey, maybe I want to do this as a volunteer and help out my community, it just means a lot to me and it means a lot to the community as well,” he said.
Richey said the camp has already influenced some older campers to consider the fire service as a future career.
“We’ve actually had several of the kids that are closer to the 14, 15-year-old age," Richey said. "They have decided this is something they want to pursue."
Even for those who don’t plan to become firefighters, campers said Fire Camp delivered plenty of fun — and a few unforgettable moments.
“I made new friends. It’s just too fun," one camper said.
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