GSFR Cadet Camp Blends Reality And Fun

"This is one of the best recruitment tools we've had," said Nick Good, director of administration and public information officer for Garden Spot Fire Rescue (GSFR), of the five-day cadet camp the fire company held for the second year in June. While he spoke, Good was surrounded by some of the nearly 40 campers actively taking part in the program held at the GSFR station at 339 E. Main St., New Holland.

The 2022 camp was held from June 13 through 17 at the station and at the GSFR training facility on Reservoir Road. The campers, who ranged in age from 9 to 14, were split into groups of up to seven with two adult leaders per group. The camp met from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and began with physical fitness training and a review of the day's schedule. Campers were introduced to a variety of fire company duties. "(Camp) starts with a basic understanding of what the fire company is ... what we do ... and how we do it," said Good. "Then they break it down into specifics of the engine company functions, truck company functions, and water rescue." Campers also had a chance to learn a bit about other community first responders through visits from New Holland Ambulance personnel and borough police officers. "(Other first responders) came in so (campers) can learn about how they function as their own entity and how they function with the fire company," said Good, who noted that some campers may choose not to join the fire company but "still have a heart to serve the community."

According to Good, camp organizers were pleased with the number of young women - 10 this year - who are taking part in camps. "There's a stigma that (firefighting) is a guy thing," said Good. "Anybody can do this if they're willing (to learn)."

Good said that the curriculum of the camp blends hands-on realistic firefighting training with competitions, such as racing to see who can get into the equipment faster. "What I love is how lighthearted it is," noted Good. "There is structure to it, and we're pushing them, but they are having fun doing it."

The week concluded with a graduation ceremony, and each camper received a certificate and flash drive of memories. "We have a couple (campers) who have said as soon as they are old enough, they want to join (the fire department)," reported Good.