Camp educates, mentors youths Published July 31, 2012 By Senior Airman Anne Gathua 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE. Texas -- More than ten youths participated in the Junior Firefighter Camp held at the Goodfellow Fire Station July 23 - 27. The camp is a mentorship program offered to youths ages 10-12 to educate them on fire safety and prevention, and also to give them an opportunity to see if firefighting would be a future career choice. In its seventh year, the camp taught the youths how to properly use a fire extinguisher, how to safely climb up and down a ladder, fire hose evolutions, first aid skills, and trained them on specialized rescue tools and equipment including the "Jaws of Life." Throughout the week, the youths spent three hours each day discovering different aspects of firefighting through a classroom setting, demonstrations and hands-on training. "Although the lessons are very basic, it gave them a good idea of what firefighters do and the character required for an individual to be a firefighter," said Glenn Haffner, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron Assistant Fire Chief for Prevention. "They walk away with skills and a knowledge base of what the fire service is all about." Haffner said the camp offers the participants the opportunity to have the lead role in educating family and friends on the importance of fire prevention and life safety. Parents interested in having their children participate in next year's camp, slated for July 2013, can call (325) 654-5577.
