July 15, 2008

Firefighter for a Day Camp

       Last week, firefighters from the White River Township Fire Department assisted with the Indianapolis Fire Department's Firefighter for a Day Camp.  The camp is an annual event started by the Warren Township Fire Department.  It is a tradition that has been continued by IFD.  The camp is a one day camp for children ages 5-12.  It is held on four separate days to due high demand.  Children participate in five separate events then conclude their day with a game of waterball.  Waterball is a fire service tradition played by spraying opposing fire hoses in an attempt to push a large ball on an elevated cable past the other team.  It is similar to tug of war, but competitors push the ball with water instead of pulling with a rope.  Throughout the day kids run through an obstacle course, wash a fire truck, search for a victim in fake smoke, visit a fire safety trailer, and learn about emergency medical care.  Each event is geared towards educating the kids.  They are taught about fire safety and life safety throughout the day.  They also learn about a typical firefighter's duty day.  Firefighters serve as camp counselors.  The firefighters share experiences from the fire house and lessons about safety.  In addition to learning, a top priority is for the kids to have fun.  Most of the firefighters will admit that they have as much fun as the kids.

         There is interest at White River Township Fire Department in hosting a similar camp.  Fire Prevention Captain Charlie Fraker and Fire Prevention Officer Craig Zollars assisted this year in order to learn about how the camp is organized.  They both assisted as camp counselors.  Chief Pell and his wife took their kids, Carter age 7, and Hayden age 2, to camp to participate.  Children younger than 5 can participate at IFD if a parent stays with them.  Carter is a veteran at camp.  This was his 5th year as a Firefighter for a Day.  Most years he even helps as an assistant camp counselor.  Many of the firefighters' teenage children will help as assistant camp counselors.  General consensus so far has been that Firefighter for a Day Camp would be a welcome addition to our already strong Public Education program.  It has been a great education tool for both Warren Township Fire Department and IFD.  It is also an excellent way to connect with the kids in the community.  Many have dreams of becoming a firefighter.  This is a great opportunity for kids to learn about a day in the life of a firefighter.  More importantly, it is a great opportunity for us to educate the children in our community.  Please express your interest in this program by sending an email by clicking HERE.
 

           

           
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