Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District sponsors an annual four-day camp. Each day of camp 11, 12, and 13 year old kids are given a chance to see and learn the varied disciplines of today’s fire service. A young firefighter battles a fire in the Roseville Fire Tower at the Fire Training Center. (Image by: Kati Garner)

They were shown a demonstration of an auto extrication and a Combat Challenge "firefighter physical fitness challenge". 

The youngsters were taught how to handle a fire hose, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how to climb ladders. And then they put those skills to use under supervision.

"This is an annual camp put on by Sacramento Metro Fire," Jason Wenner, Sac Metro Fire Engineer/Paramedic, explained."Children living in the Sac Metropolitan Fire respnse area who are 11, 12 and 13 years old can attend."

It's a big area - 419 square miles. Wenner explained it's part of  a community outreach program. The kids get to spend four days with firefighters who volunteer their time.

"The kids learn about the fire service - what we do, why we do it." Wenner said."They can gain a better understanding, perhaps make a better decision about their careers in the future."

Sometimes they learn this is not what they want to do. Sometimes they learn this is exactly what they want to do, Wenner explained.

He says other than fire service knowledge they can gain life skills like how to be a good team player, self-confidence and responsibility and leadership.

Each youngster used a fire hose in controlled burn-room to put out a fire that simulates a bedroom fire. The young fire fighter before he enters the Fire Training Room to put out a fire. (Image by: Kati Garmer) Young fire fighters learn how to intubate someone who cannot protect their own airway due to being unconscious or not having a heartbeat. Practicing making an airway in a victim using a mannequin. (Image by: Kati Garner) Life saving skills were put to use. Climbing a fire ladder five stories high. (Image by: Kati Garner) A 100-foot aerial ladder was extended against a training building five-stories tall for the kids to climb.They learn to face a challenge or obstacle. With a bit of training and courage they are able to do it. Kids are dressed in firefighting gear (above) before learning how to put out a fire with an extinguisher (below). (Image by: Kati Garner) A gasoline mixture is set on fire in a pan and the kids used their recently learned skills to put it out with a fire extinguisher.

Wenner says everyone should know how to use an extinguisher. Image by: Kati Garner Doing pushups, part of learning teamwork. (Image by: Kati Garner) Using a thermal imaging camera during a rescue simulation. (Image by: Kati Garner) Being sprayed from a fire hose three stories high helps the kids to cool down after working in the hot sun. (Image by: Kati Garner)

The last day of camp, they spent the morning at Sunsplash where they learned water safety and water rescue techniques.

Camp ended with a fun afternoon filled with speed and firefighting skills put to use -

BUCKET BRIGADE A bucket of water is quickly filled with water and passed to the next person in line. (Image by: Kati Garner) Image by: Kati Gaarner First team to fill up the big blue bucket won. (Image by: Kati Garner)

WATER HOCKEY Two teams spray high-pressure water on each side of a bucket on wheels. (Image by: Kati Garner) The team that pushes the bucket across to the other side wins. Image by: Kati Garner

MAKE AND BREAK

Make and Break is a wildland fire scenario. When there is a fire in a field and a fire engine can't be driven onto it hose and water need to get out to it. Firefighters have to walk to that fire and lay hose down as they go. To train young firefighters the hoses are laid out and they run to couple the hoses together, spray water out and knock a cone down and then sprint back. Teams race to see who can connect several pairs of hoses together so water can be sprayed from the end. (Image by: Kati Garner) Image by: Kati Garner Grown up firefighters play bucket  brigade a bit more aggressively than the younger ones! Image by: Kati Garner