FEMA Region 10 just announced that they will be hosting a Youth Preparedness Camp in Alaska this summer, July 26-31, 2020. Youth ages 14-17 from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington are eligible to apply.
The six-day, five-night camp, hosted and staffed by camp and emergency management professionals, will teach students how to safely assist in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Subject matter experts and local emergency responders will provide leadership and team-building opportunities and introduce campers to a variety of emergency response professions. As part of the program, campers will identify and develop a concept for a longer-term project aimed at utilizing their new skills and improving preparedness in their communities.
Here’s what some campers had to say about the first FEMA Region 10 Youth Preparedness Camp, held last August in Stanwood, Washington:
- “Preparedness camp was the best thing that happened to me this summer. I made so many new friends while having fun and learning about disaster preparedness in a hands-on interactive environment,” said 14-year-old Shivani Jayaprakasam of Redmond, Washington.
- “The most rewarding aspect of my experience at camp was the intellectual discussions on disaster preparedness and the opportunity to exercise the skills we learned. I wish that youth knew that proper disaster preparedness could prevent their loved ones from being impacted should a disaster occur,” said 16-year-old Miles Butler of Post Falls, Idaho.
- “At camp I learned all about disaster preparedness through realistic drills and scenarios. It’s comforting to know that in case of a disaster, I’m prepared,” said 14-year-old Beitris Boyreau-Millar of Wasilla, Alaska.
- “Youth preparedness camp was my favorite camp I have gone to. It is an amazing balance of a fun summer camp and a great learning experience. I learned how to apply medical treatment such as CPR and the basics of being a first responder. These skills are important for everyone to know, including youth!” said 14 year-old Elliot Anderson of Portland, Oregon.
Students wishing to be considered for the July 26-31 camp can find application information at: www.fema.gov/YouthPrep [1]. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. PST Jan. 19, 2020.
For further information regarding the camp, please contact Ilyssa Plumer or Sam Robinson, FEMA Region 10 Individual and Community Preparedness staff, at fema-r10-youthprepcamp@fema.dhs.gov [2] or 425-487-4943.
Kent Petty, KL5T
DEC, Anchorage ARES
