This summer, the streets of Columbus echoed with more than just the familiar cacophony of urban life. They resonated with the laughter and learning of local youth who, for a week, were brought under the tutelage of those who serve and protect their community. The Columbus Division of Fire, in a social media post, shared a glimpse into the Inspire Police & Fire Exploration Camp that took place from July 21 to July 25.
The camp offered children aged between 9 and 15 an opportunity to connect with local firefighters and police officers. This interaction aims at developing character, fostering respect, and bolstering neighborhood bonds. A portion of the camp had the young attendees learning alongside officers from the Columbus Division of Police, which then transitioned to sessions with Columbus Firefighters from their Community Risk Reduction division. However, it wasn't just about watching and listening. The kids actively participated in drills and gained hands-on experience in areas such as basic CPR techniques and creating a family safety plan.
A standout component of the camp was the exploration of the Division of Fire's Safehouse—an interactive experience simulating a smoke-filled home. Here, the campers were taught the life-saving principle of "get out, stay out", emphasizing the importance of not re-entering a burning building. In a slice of interactive learning, they practiced escaping a hazardous environment, ducking low under simulated smoke to reach safety outside.
The camp experience was peppered with exhilarating moments, such as when campers visited Columbus Fire Station 3. They were introduced to both the firefighters and their equipment, including a bomb detection demonstration by Firefighter Liz Finnegan and her K9 partner, Norbert. Despite rigorous safety lessons, one of the camp's enduring effects was the rapport built between first responders and youngsters—a connection extending beyond the confines of the program and into the heart of community trust.
According to a firefighter and instructor at the camp, Jennifer Wilkinson, "All these kids come here and actually take something home with them that they can share with their family. We have found that when things are more hands-on, it's more likely to stick with them….and then when they can be excited about the experience at the same time, that information gets in there, it stays, and they share that with their loved ones," Wilkinson told the Columbus Division of Fire. The camp concluded with families and friends celebrating the achievements of the young participants at a graduation ceremony held at the Chief James G. Jackson Columbus Police Academy—a fitting tribute to the lessons learned and relationships forged between the city's youth and their guardians.
