Holiday Park VFD Junior Fire Academy to return in June after yearlong covid hiatus

An educational program designed to teach teens about leadership, teamwork and safety skills is expected to return after being canceled last year due to the covid pandemic.

Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department is expected to host its Junior Fire Academy from June 21-25.

“I think it’s very important to bring back some normalcy to the kids so they have something to look forward to and something fun to do in the summertime,” said Chief Jim Sims.

The camp is open to youths ages 14-17. Most of the activities will take place outside at the fire station, 415 Abers Creek Road.

Participants can get certifications in CPR, first aid, fire behavior, Life Flight safety and other emergency training.

The last day features exercises at the Pittsburgh Fire Academy. A graduation ceremony is planned for June 26 during Plum Summer Fest.

This will be the third nonconsecutive year for the Holiday Park camp.

It first opened in 2018 with 12 cadets. It doubled in attendance in 2019 with 24 campers.

Camp was closed last year due to the pandemic.

Participation this year will be capped at 24 cadets due to safety and staffing concerns.

“We have to have enough support staff and counselors,” Sims said. “I have members here who take a week vacation from their jobs to be here for the week. We depend on other fire departments to help us. Monroeville No. 4 has always been a big help for us. Both Unity and Sardis fire departments offered their assistance if we need it. We make sure that we have enough staff scheduled every single day.”

Camp safety protocols include daily temperature checks for cadets and instructors, hand sanitizing stations, everyone in masks and social distancing when possible.

“I think the kids will enjoy themselves,” said Alex Marcelewski, the department’s medical and community officer. “We’ll have plenty of interaction. At the same time, we’ll keep everybody covid safe. I don’t see any problems, per se. We’ll have plenty of cleaning materials and sanitizers with us. We’re all experienced first responders. … It’s going to be a safe environment, a secure environment.”

Marcelewski said parents can talk with firefighters before and during camp to voice any concerns.

The cost for the camp is $50 and includes daily meals, transportation to work sites, T-shirt and shorts.

More information is available at holidayparkvfd.org or by calling 724-327-3456.