West Hartford FD Offers Firefighter Camp For Teens

Town of West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Many younger generations' childhoods were spent dreaming of becoming a firefighter when they "grew up."

In West Hartford, the West Hartford Fire Department can prepare current youngsters for such an endeavor.

The WHFD offers a Summer Youth Fire Academy with the West Hartford Department of Leisure Services and the West Hartford Professional Firefighters Union.

Instead of dreaming of becoming a firefighter, teens aged 13-17 can prepare to be one.

"This unique opportunity will provide youths ages 13 to 17 with an understanding of firefighting and emergency medical services career paths," wrote the town in an announcement.

Cadets will receive direct instruction from West Hartford firefighters and paramedics (including physical fitness, first aid leadership, and team building), tour various fire apparatus, and view demonstrations with fire/extrication equipment.

The Youth Fire Academy is highly interactive, very “hands-on,” and can sometimes be physically strenuous.

Most activities occur in teams of two with direct oversight from a West Hartford firefighter and require participants to be able to follow explicit rules to ensure safety.

For safety reasons, cadets must attend all sessions. They must also complete Fire Academy Basics before attending the Fire Academy Advanced Skills camp.

The camp's location may vary from day to day (past locations include Conard High School, Newington Fire Tower, etc.). Transportation is not provided.

A one-week camp on fire academy basics will take place July 22-26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with fees being $200/$210.

A one-week fire academy advanced skills camp will take place July 29 to Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the same fees.

To register for the firefighter camp, click on this link.