Thanks to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service's (WFPS) summer camps, some Winnipeg youth have new firefighting, paramedic, or 9-1-1 communications operator skills.
WFPS hosted a total of three camps for youth in July and August at its training academy.
Newcomer Youth Camp
On July 10 and 11, WFPS welcomed 15 youth to its first camp of the summer – the newcomer youth camp.
One of the goals of this camp was to familiarize newcomers with our emergency response system, and teach them some new skills.
“We hope they come out of the camp with a better understanding of the role of first responders in Winnipeg,” said Lisa Gilmour, Assistant Chief of Community Risk Reduction with WFPS.
This initiative is connected to our Newcomer Welcome and Inclusion Policy, which aims to create an inclusive and equitable city where all residents feel welcome and can thrive. As part of the goals of the policy, we are working to create a city without racism and a representative workforce.
Indigenous Youth Career Camp
WFPS, in partnership with Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Center (WASAC), also welcomed 17 youth at its Indigenous Youth Career Camp on July 16 and 17.
Over the two days, participants learned hands-on firefighting, paramedic, and telecommunications skills. They also spent one day in a CPR course, and are now all certified to perform CPR. Participants also had the opportunity to meet and interact with WFPS members, discussing different career paths and options.
“We are grateful for Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service members sharing their time to give WASAC Youth an opportunity to have a hands-on learning experience at the Academy and explore potential careers they might not have thought they could be part of. They now have a better idea of what emergency services provide for us every day,” said Ava Olin, WASAC Youth Achievement Program Coordinator.
“Their participation in this camp will help them grow to be role models both as WASAC Youth Leaders and in our community. When we posted camp photos online, you can see how proud their family and friends are of them,” Olin added.
Girls' Camp
The WFPS also held a camp for girls on August 6 and 7 in partnership with WASAC and MMIWG2S+.
At the camp, the girls participated in some hands-on learning. They got to try skills like aiming a fire hose, answering a 9-1-1 call, and giving CPR. The goal of this camp is to encourage females to consider a career in emergency services.
Camps like these three help connect the WFPS to different communities in Winnipeg.
“These camps are such a great resource for the youth in our community and a great opportunity for our members to share the pride and passion they have for their work as first responders. Youth get a hands-on experience to learn what firefighting, paramedicine, and 9-1-1 telecommunications looks like in the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service,” Gilmour said.
