Youth summer camp brings hands-on emergency, first-aid training to West Michigan

WEST MICHIGAN — Nearly 150 children will get a hands-on look at the world of emergency response this month as Life EMS Ambulance prepares to launch the return of its annual "Camp 911" program.

The free summer camp, designed for children ages 9 to 11, kicks off Monday, June 15, in Hudsonville. Operating in partnership with local fire and public safety agencies, the initiative aims to equip area youth with critical survival and prevention skills before the peak of the summer season.

Over the course of the day-long sessions, participants will train directly with paramedics, law enforcement officers and firefighters. The curriculum covers a wide range of practical safety lessons, including water and boating safety, basic first aid, fire prevention, and live K-9 unit demonstrations.

"Camp 911 drives home our interest in prevention through safeguarding the communities we serve," said Mark Meijer, president of Life EMS Ambulance. "We want to empower youth with the knowledge and skills to lead a healthy and safe life, and be a role model for others."

The camp concludes each day with a traditional finale: allowing campers to cool off under the spray of local fire hoses.

Now in its 26th year, the program has trained more than 11,000 children across West Michigan since its inception in 2000.

While individual camps in Hudsonville, Walker and Blendon Township are already at capacity, organizers said that registration remains open for several other regional locations, with waitlists available for full sessions.

Most events run 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with select locations starting at 8 a.m.

Camp schedule and locations:

• June 15: Hudsonville Fire Department (Hudsonville)
• June 16: Walker Fire Station (Grand Rapids)
• June 16: Oshtemo Fire Department Station 2 (Kalamazoo) [8 a.m. start]
• June 18: Hastings Fire Department (Hastings)
• June 19: Portage Fire Department Station 1 (Portage) [8 a.m. start]
• June 23: Comstock Fire Department Station 9-1 (Kalamazoo) [8 a.m. start]
• June 24: Blendon Township Fire Department (Zeeland)
• June 24: Kalamazoo Township Fire Department (Kalamazoo) [8 a.m. start]
• June 25: Ionia Public Safety (Ionia)

Organizers have extended an open invitation to local media outlets to cover the events. Media RSVPs and general registration information can be accessed via the Life EMS website.

— Submitted by Life EMS Ambulance. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.