Sixteen students from Ballenas and Kwalikum Secondary Schools will take part in the annual Fire Camp next week for an inside look at what it takes to be on an emergency response team.
“We give them (students) some insight as to what it’s like to work in emergency services,” said Qualicum Beach fire chief Darryl Kohse.
The fire chief said students will get exposure to the local fire departments in Parksville Qualicum Beach, B.C. Ambulance Service, RCMP, the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Kohse said students will be housed at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre for a week from March 15-21.
The students, most of whom are in Grade 11 and 12, applied for the program earlier this year and will receive four credits upon completion of the camp.
“More or less it’s to give kids exposure to emergency response teams — whether they go on to become volunteers or careers members it’s a good experience.”
Kohse said several students who take part in the annual camp have gone on to apply for junior fire fighting programs.
The Fire Camp is sponsored in large part by the Qualicum Beach Rotary Club and Qualicum Foods.
