Children learn skills, build confidence at Emergency Services camp

IOWA CITY - When the Iowa City Fire Department organized its first ever Emergency Services Youth Summer Camp, they were hoping at least 20 kids would show up.

Turns out, their concerns about attendance were unfounded, with 53 kids from Johnson County and beyond turning out for the camp this week.

'We were amazed by the response,” said Iowa City firefighter Sadie McDowell, who organized the event.

Wednesday was the first of two days of activities offered for junior high students. Next week, a similar two-day camp will be offered for high school students. The camp is taking place at Fire Station No. 4, 2008 N. Dubuque Rd. Activities include fire skills such as climbing ladders, attaching hoses to hydrants and simulating confined spaces; police topics such as defensive tactics and the bomb squad; and CPR and first aid training.

'It's fun to see the amount of interest in learning not only what we do, but who we are and also learning something about themselves,” McDowell said.

McDowell said the purpose of the camp isn't necessarily to recruit new firefighters or generate an interest in a public safety career, but to help participants develop self-confidence, as well as leadership and decision-making skills. McDowell said her goal in designing the camp was to challenge the participants both mentally and physically.

Iowa City Fire Lt. Brandon Smith said he hoped the participants would 'discover something about themselves” during the camp and learn they have the ability to do things they wouldn't have otherwise thought possible. Firefighters, paramedics and police were on hand to mentor the kids through the activities.

'There's no failure here,” Smith said of the supportive environment.

The camp was free for participants and included lunch, which was donated by Hudson's Southside Tap in Iowa City. Smith said children from West Branch, North Liberty, Fairfield, Ainsworth, Tiffin, Oxford, Kalona, Iowa City and Coralville participated in the camp and he 'absolutely” expects it to be offered again next year.

'It's a worthwhile thing for us to do,” he said.

Grace Wang, 12, of Coralville, was one of the camp participants. She spent the morning learning CPR, how to operate an Automated External Defibrillator and fire hose skills.

'It's fun and it's interesting and you learn a lot of stuff,” she said.

Tony Butler, 13, of Iowa City, said the camp helped him achieve his goal of picking up the necessary skills he might need in an emergency.

'In a real emergency, I can remember what I did here,” he said.

The junior high camp continues Thursday. The high school camp is scheduled for July 20-21.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com