BOTHELL, Wash. - FEMA Region 10 is calling on students ages 14 to 17 from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska to apply for our second annual Youth Preparedness Camp to be held this summer near Anchorage. The 40 teens selected to attend the all-expense-paid camp will come away with skills that could save lives in their homes and communities during a disaster – all while making new friends and having fun!
“Our goal in 2020 is to build on the successes of last year’s camp, where we had the privilege of working with students who were committed to making a difference in their communities,” said FEMA Region 10 Administrator Mike O’Hare. “Through the camp experience, we are encouraging and educating a new generation of emergency managers and helping to build a prepared and resilient nation.”
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 our 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. 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 or 425-487-4943.
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FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.