By Ronnie Robertson

Advance VFD Captain

ADVANCE – The fire department is preparing to hold its Fourth Annual Fire Camp June 13-15.

The camp is open to boys and girls that are rising sixth through ninth graders. Campers do not have to live in the Advance Fire District.

This year’s camp will feature several of the favorite activities of past camps.  Campers will learn how to put on firefighter turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus. They will learn about fire streams and hoses with hands on exercise and contests. Each camper will learn basic First Aid, CPR, and experience driving a fire truck in the Davidson County Community College Driving Simulator.

In addition to many other returning favorites, a few new classes will be added and a new mock emergency has been planned.

Last year, campers responded to a staged 4-wheeler accident in which the rider had to be stabilized, checked for injuries, placed on a backboard, and carried to a waiting ambulance. They then were told the rider had been spraying chemicals and everyone had to return to the station to be decontaminated. Upon arriving campers were covered with hazardous material in the form of whipped cream and hosed down by the firefighters.

The camp will conclude on Wednesday evening with a graduation picnic for the campers and their families. Campers will put on a  demonstration of the skills learned before receiving their certificates.

The cost of camp is $50 for all three days and includes camp activities, two snacks a day, lunch each day, a camp t-shirt, and Wednesday night picnic. A registration application is required and is due June 5.  Late registrations will be accepted but does require a late fee.

Camp size is limited so applications should be returned as soon as possible.  Camp registration applications may be printed from the fire department website at www.advancefiredepartment.org. Click on the Fire Camp tab.
Applications may be picked up at  the front desk at Advance Fire Department.