This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
Local Centre County kids got the opportunity to learn directly from emergency medical service professionals at the weeklong Seven Mountains Regional EMS Council’s Camp Cadet. This summer, the camp ran from Monday, Aug. 12, through Friday, Aug. 16.
The summer camp was designed for youth who are interested in EMS careers. The campers, otherwise known as cadets, interact hands-on with both local and state EMS providers. The cadets also gain various skills and knowledge to take with them through life and into potential EMS careers.
“The cadets have gotten the chance to spend the week with EMS professionals as their counselors and speak to them about their chosen career and what drew them into EMS,” Sharon Nilson of Snow Shoe EMS explained. “They will also be speaking to individuals throughout the United States about their chosen career path in EMS and how it helped them succeed.”
At camp, cadets are able to train and earn certifications in both CPR and Stop the Bleed. Additionally, hands-on practice is offered to the campers to learn how to check a person’s vital signs and conduct basic patient care until an ambulance arrives.
“This will be an educationally, enjoyable exposure into the world of emergency medical service while being a memorable summer experience for all attendees,” Seven Mountain EMS Council highlighted on its website.
Campers got to spend a day learning about wilderness EMS and rope tying before rappelling from the Fire Tower at Black Moshannon State Park.
The learning extended off the campsite too, with the cadets spending another day of camp to tour various services across the region, including field trips to Centre County 911, Geisinger Life Flight and Medic 24 facilities. Another day of activities included spending time with the Army National Guard to learn about the military’s high-fidelity mannequins as well as to tour a Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopters and ambulances.
Cadets also heard from local officials and leaders, including state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff and state Rep. Paul Takac, about the importance of EMS.
The camp had no shortage of demonstrations, hands-on activities and lessons, but the cadets also got a chance to experience common summer camp activities while socializing with their peers and making new friends.
“Camp has not been all work and no play,” Nilson noted. “The cadets have also had some free time to get to know each other and make connections with kids from other areas and schools.”
Seven Mountains Regional EMS Council’s Camp Cadet will end on Friday, Aug. 16, with closing activities, salutations, awards and a graduation ceremony for the cadets after a week of learning more about EMS professionals and gaining new skills. Anthony Martin, the Bureau of EMS director, and Cindy Findley, deputy secretary of the PA Department of Health, will be at the graduation ceremony to congratulate and celebrate the campers.
The camp is put on by the Seven Mountains EMS Council, with funding through the PA Fireworks Tax and the PA Department of Health Bureau.
