Fifth Annual GSFR Cadet Camp Held

More than five years ago, when Garden Spot Fire Rescue (GSFR) chief Darryl Keiser was planning the first Cadet Camp, he noted that students ages 10 to 14 who took part were expected to be serious about what they were learning. From June 9 through 13, when this year's camp was held, 34 students from nearly 10 different school districts - including one student who came from beyond State College to take part - developed skills with a curriculum that included vehicle rescue, medical intervention, and a presentation by Lancaster County's own SWAT team.

The group started each day by dividing into squads for exercises such as running laps and pushups. "We get the blood moving right away in the morning," shared GSFR safety officer Jaime Weir.

Early in the week, campers met at the GSFR training center at 1156 Reservoir Road, East Earl, for training that focused on rescue. "They did semi-technical evolutions with ropes and mechanical advantages and the Stokes basket," reported Weir. A Stokes basket is utilized to carry or lower a victim using a rope system. Inside the building at the training center, the group participated in confined space exercises. "They did rapid intervention team and search stuff and vehicle rescue," noted Weir, who added that on June 10, cadets were invited to return in the evening to watch GSFR firefighters put out vehicle fires as part of a regular training exercise.

Activities that took place at the fire station, 339 E. Main St., New Holland, included engine company work such as pulling hoses off the engines and flowing water. "We had a tanker from Fivepointville out here, so (campers) could see how a portable tank works," said Weir. "They were moving charged hose lines around."

On the afternoon of June 11, the focus turned toward medical intervention. Campers had the opportunity to earn a certificate from a Stop the Bleed class and to practice adult and child CPR. "They were introduced to Penn Med 1," said Weir. Penn Med 1 is a physician response vehicle operated by Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. Campers also toured ambulances from Fivepointville Ambulance Association and New Holland EMS. Later that afternoon, WellFlight, the WellSpan helicopter, landed in the back parking lot of the New Holland station. "We've tried for a number of years to get helicopters in," stated Weir. "We were able to get one for this year."

On June 12, the focus shifted again. Ladder truck operations were explored in the morning, and in the afternoon, campers learned about local law enforcement with a visit from New Holland's police department and the Lancaster County Special Emergency Response Team, which Weir explained is the county's name for a SWAT team. A search-and-rescue canine presentation was held as well.

As in the past, at least 25 GSFR members donated their time to running the camp. Weir reported that about 15 assisting agencies, including Bowmansville, Martindale, and Weaverland Valley fire companies, took part. Weir said a number of ELANCO School District students were among the campers, but youths also came from Solanco and Penn Manor school districts, and two students came from Mohnton.

This year, the cadet graduation ceremony held at the end of the week was combined with the GSFR annual banquet. "The kids get to see the action throughout the week and to participate," said Weir. "But there's another component. There's the celebratory side of things."

Over the five years that camp has been held, a few of the attendees have gone on to become GSFR junior firefighters. Keiser noted before the first camp that there is a sense of purpose and reward in firefighting. He added that the discipline involves dedication and can be a long-term commitment that ultimately serves and betters the community.

Readers who would like to know more about GSFR may visit http://www.gsfr39.net. Individuals who have questions about the camp may call 717-354-8311 or email chief@gsfr39.net.