While video games and social media dominate many teens’ free time, dozens of teenagers from the Central Coast are spending this summer learning something new.
A group of 40 Santa Maria teens are participating in the Junior and Teen Firefighter Camps, which started on Monday and will end Wednesday at Fire Station No. 2 on Carmen Lane.
The hands-on programs will teach youth important rescue skills, basic emergency medical technician (EMT) procedures, how to use attack and supply hoses and many other firefighting skills.
“I’ve learned that they have special equipment and they have to get everything done in less than a minute,” 9-year-old Shelby Wiley said.
Unlike the Junior Firefighter Camp for kids between the ages 8-12, the Teen Firefighter Camp will also offer advanced skill development and in-depth career exploration for 13- to 17-year-olds.
Santa Maria residents can pay $63, whereas non-City residents can pay $78.50 to participate in the academy.
Scholarships are available for both camps.
