JACKSON’S MILL, W.Va. — The 8th annual Junior Fire Camp will offer nearly a week’s worth of hands-on training and education for 139 teenagers this week.
The camp is part of WVU’s Fire Service Extension. It’s primary purpose is to provide training and education, but in many instances it is a sneak preview for future firefighters.
“We give them a brief taste of a diverse range of fire-fighting aspects,” said Mark Lambert, Director of the Fire Extension Service.
Those aspects feature volunteer guest instructors teaching the campers about fighting house fires, oil or gas fires, airplane fires, and rescue operations using simulated, hands-on instruction.
“It helps the kids realize how it important it is and shows them the teamwork and camaraderie there is in the fire service,” said Lambert.
Lambert said throughout the state and the nation, volunteer fire departments are struggling to staff themselves. This is perhaps the foremost reason why the camp exists.
“There’s a big problem in the U.S. and in West Virginia on recruiting volunteer firefighters,” said Lambert. “We believe the earlier we can introduce them to the aspects of it and to start them down that path, the more likely they are to continue as firefighters as they get older.”
There are approximately 435 volunteer fire departments throughout West Virginia alone–about 20 times more than the amount of paid departments. This is part of Lambert’s motivation in being a part of the camp.
“Knowing that we’ve given some young people a little bit of an education and hopefully a start in the fire service that may lead onto a professional career,” he said.
Junior Fire Camp is at Jackson’s Mill at the State Fire Academy. The camp runs from Saturday to Thursday and costs $295.