Empowering the Next Generation: Ocean City's Innovative Fire Camp

In the heart of Ocean City, Maryland, the local fire department is taking a proactive approach to educating and engaging the youth. Through their annual Fire Camp, they are not only teaching crucial safety skills but also fostering a sense of community and instilling a lifelong appreciation for the vital role of firefighters and first responders.

Igniting a Passion for Fire Safety and Community Service

Hands-On Learning and Teamwork

The Ocean City Fire Department's Fire Camp is a unique program that caters to children aged 7 to 14, providing them with a comprehensive and engaging curriculum. Over 60 eager participants attended the camp's fourth edition, eager to learn and explore the world of firefighting and emergency response.The camp's curriculum is designed to be both informative and interactive, covering a wide range of topics. From the fundamental "Stop, Drop, and Roll" technique to the importance of smoke alarms and safety precautions, the young attendees are immersed in the essential elements of fire safety. Firefighter Ryan Whittington, who oversees the program, emphasizes the importance of this age group, as it is a critical time to start recruiting and educating the next generation of first responders.Beyond the technical aspects, the camp also focuses on developing essential life skills, such as teamwork, accountability, and problem-solving. Through various activities and simulations, the participants learn to work together, communicate effectively, and think quickly in high-stress situations.

Reducing Anxiety and Empowering Youth

One of the key objectives of the Fire Camp is to help reduce stress and anxiety surrounding emergencies. Camp instructor and 5th-grade teacher Blake Cropper explains the importance of this approach, "We teach them about knowing their 911 address, but we also practice calling 911, and having a simulator because that can be very daunting... Always making sure they're away from the stove and the kitchen, always making sure they're blowing out their candles when they leave, but also knowing their home address, knowing their meeting place outside so if something were to happen if there's an emergency they don't tend to freeze, they tend to jump into action."By providing a safe and supportive environment, the Fire Camp empowers the participants to develop the confidence and skills necessary to respond effectively in emergency situations. This not only benefits the children themselves but also strengthens the overall community's resilience.

Recognizing Excellence and Commitment

The Ocean City Fire Department's dedication to the Fire Camp program has not gone unnoticed. Battalion Chief Rick Koch, whose own granddaughters have attended the camp, proudly shares the department's accolades, "We want to make sure that promoting the health and safety of children throughout and upcoming, that's part of it." The department has received the prestigious Maryland Star of Life Award for outstanding rescue efforts under extreme circumstances, a testament to their commitment to excellence in emergency response.

A Lasting Impact on the Community

The enthusiasm and joy of the participants are palpable, as exemplified by 9-year-old Finn Cropper, who attends Snow Hill Elementary. Finn enthusiastically shares his experiences, "Some things I learned was stop drop, and roll and apparently the canine here can-do stop drop and roll, and that the hose can actually spray very far... It's fine, it's just you have to listen and do what they tell you too, but it is very fun to come here."The Ocean City Fire Department's Fire Camp is not just a summer program; it is a testament to the power of community engagement and the transformative impact of hands-on learning. As the department prepares to welcome over 150 children during the upcoming July session, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. With scholarships available, the camp ensures that children from all backgrounds can access this invaluable opportunity, further strengthening the community's resilience and fostering a new generation of fire safety advocates.