The need for first responders, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics and volunteers is real, both locally and beyond. The severity of the shortage seems to hinge on perspective, location and definition.

East Lampeter Township's Lafayette Fire Company is addressing the shortage with its Cadet Camp. The annual summer camp is designed to spark an interest in service for younger citizens.

"All over, volunteerism is a dying thing," said Kim Herskowitz, a certified firefighter and EMT and Cadet Camp's organizer. "Everybody needs that paycheck and to support their family. You really have to have a certain personality and that drive for service. We're trying to awaken that in kids."

The fourth edition of Cadet Camp will be conducted on Friday, Aug. 2, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lafayette Fire Company, 63 Lafayette Way, Lancaster. The hands-on camp is open to individuals ages 8 to 14 from Lancaster County.

There is a fee to register, and registration ends on Monday, July 1. To register, go to http://www.lafayettefire.com/cadetcamp.

"The purpose is just to get kids interested," said Herskowitz. "It gives them an opportunity to come and try it out. We want to introduce it in a fun way. We try to make the camp STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) based, and we try to tie in equipment. Sort of like, 'You can be a responder and here's all the things you need.'"

Cadet Camp will consist of 15 learning stations - five on Friday and 10 on Saturday. Among the topics expected be addressed are home fire safety, campfire and burn safety, hazmat, EMS, first aid, hose line basics, ropes and knots, firefighter rescue and bucket brigade.

Members of 10 local first-responder agencies will be on hand to provide guidance and assistance, as well as real-world connections for the campers.

"Some of the stations are simple," said Herskowitz. "(Campers will) learn the ins and outs of being a volunteer. They'll help wash a fire truck. We'll have a critical thinking station and one geared toward team building. They can choose to work as a team. Responders rely on their team and communication with other members."

"The ability to work together as a member of a team is very important," she added. "That's an essential skill you're going to need no matter where you go. As kids come to our camp and come back, we hope they build their skills and confidence, and hopefully they build some leadership skills."

In 2023, 50 young individuals attended Cadet Camp. Herskowitz is aiming for a similar turnout this year.

"We want to keep them very engaged," said Herskowitz. "In our eyes, this isn't a camp that's available everywhere. We're trying to build interest in these kids and not just for our company. Our goal is to build up the emergency services world."

While it's still relatively new, Cadet Camp is already beginning to realize the fruits of its labor.

"It's a little hard to judge, to see what the outcome is going to be," said Herskowitz. "If you have kids coming in at 8 years old, it's going to take some time to see what the returns of the camp are going to be. We've already gotten a couple of junior firefighters and we've already gotten a couple of parent volunteers."