The West Virginia University State Fire Training Academy is located in Weston, WV.
On property conjoining with the WV State 4-H Camp at Jackson’s Mill.
The oldest state 4-H camp in the nation.
The Academy is ran through the WVU Fire Service Extension.
Having the 4-H Camp next door allows for the Academy to house and feed campers nearby and spend 5 nights and 6 days training at the Academy.
The National Junior Fire Camp is the brainchild of former fire service extension director Murrey Loughlin and deceased WV State Fire Marshal Sterling Lewis.
It was created as an effort to stem the dwindling numbers of firefighters in West Virginia.
The camp is called National because of the numbers of out of state campers who have attended.
Colorado, Arizona, Puerto Rico, Texas, Louisiana and the entire east coast have sent kids to this camp since its inception in 2006.
Many come back until they age out at 18.
So far, they have had no international campers but would be willing to accept them if ever any applied.
Some of these continue to return as Counselors in Training once they are adults to continue to assist with the camp.
The instructor cadre is approximately fifty fire service instructors from WV, KY, VA, MD and PA.
All of them donate a week of their time to teach these campers about the fire service.
On the first day of WVU National Junior Fire Camp, 141 campers ages 14 – 17 arrive.
The bulk of which are first year campers.
After all have been assigned to battalions and companies, they assemble in their assigned units in the bay area of the West Virginia University State Fire Training Academy to begin the 2024 WV National Junior Fire Camp.
After going over camp rules they are brought to attention by senior camp instructor Chief Brian Greico.
“If you don’t want to work hard to learn about firefighting, then you probably shouldn’t be at this camp!” Chief Greico tells the campers.
The camp touches on the various major aspects of the fire service while not exposing the students to any IDLH atmospheres.
No camper is forced to do anything they feel uncomfortable in doing but all are asked to push their comfort zones.
All the campers bring or are assigned PPE and SCBA which they will use throughout the week.
Some campers leave early.
A few are homesick, decide this is not for them or are sent home for misbehavior.
This is a working camp.
The campers are up at 6am with breakfast at 7am, then a full day of training and a couple of evening drills.
This is certainly not the summer camp for relaxing and lazy days on the lake.
Most of the campers are ready for bed by 9pm.
Lights out is at 11pm so they do have time to text their parents or friends in the evening.
(Students are not allowed to have phones but for a small amount of time in the evening.) Parents are not allowed to visit campers during the week.
Basically, if parent or child cannot be apart for 5 nights and 6 days this camp is probably not what they are searching for.
The first two days the new campers are nervous and unsure of themselves but by mid camp they have made new friends and are focusing on the training and having fun.
On the last day of camp is graduation.
They clean their barracks, pack up their clothes and return to the fire academy one last time, knowing that they’ll be leaving that day and going back to their normal world.
Some are returning to fire departments where they are junior members and others will go back home and join their local fire department.
It is hoped that all leave with positive training and a new mindset on how they can advance the future of the fire service.
The 2025 West Virginia University State Fire Training Academy Junior Firefighter Camp , a comprehensive training program scheduled to take place from Saturday, June 14 to Thursday June 19.
This camp is specifically designed for youth aged 14 by June 14, 2025, to 17 by June 19, 2025, and aims to provide participants with both classroom and practical training in firefighting and emergency operations, in line with the NFPA 1001, Standard on Firefighter Professional Qualifications.
Held at the State Fire Academy at WVU Jackson’s Mill, the Junior Firefighter Camp is structured to achieve several key objectives.
The camp aims to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of participants in emergency services, increase awareness about the importance of volunteering, and provide fire departments with trained junior firefighters capable of assisting in non-emergency tasks.
Additionally, the camp focuses on developing leadership qualities among the youth, who are viewed as tomorrow’s leaders in the community.
Participants in the camp will engage in a rigorous curriculum covering a wide range of essential topics.
These include CPR and First Aid, Hoseline Operations, Fireground Operations, Portable Fire Extinguishers, and Ground and Aerial Ladders.
Other critical areas of training include Leadership and Team-Building, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Vehicle Fires, Vehicle Extrication, Special Operations, Fire Apparatus, Forcible Entry, Live Fire Training, Urban/Rural Water Supply, Ventilation, and Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting.
This comprehensive training ensures that participants gain a thorough understanding and practical experience in various aspects of firefighting and emergency response.
The camp also seeks to instill a commitment to volunteerism and community service among the youth.
By participating in the Junior Firefighter Camp, campers develop an increased awareness of the importance of volunteering and supporting fire and emergency services.
The camp also provides an opportunity for participants to develop strong leadership skills and form supportive peer groups, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
The registration fee for the Junior Firefighter Camp is $450.
Registration for the camp will open no later than January 2025.
To participate, campers are required to bring NFPA 1971 compliant turnout gear, which consists of a helmet, hood, coat, pants, gloves, and boots, as well as an NFPA 1981 compliant SCBA with facepiece.
Returning campers will be placed in the Advanced Training Group, where they will learn skills relative to their previous experience, ensuring continued growth and development.
The Junior Firefighter Camp is supported by a number of esteemed sponsors, including WVU Extension, West Virginia University, West Virginia State Firemen’s Association, West Virginia State Fire Chief’s Association, West Virginia State Fire Commission, and LION.
These partnerships are crucial in providing a comprehensive and impactful training experience for all participants.
The camp’s goals extend beyond immediate training to foster long-term interest in emergency services and volunteerism.
By educating parents and mentors on the importance of encouraging volunteerism, the camp aims to build a strong foundation for future community leaders.
The hands-on experience and leadership training provided at the camp are designed to prepare participants not only for potential careers in fire and emergency services but also for active and engaged citizenship.
The West Virginia University State Fire Training Academy invites all eligible youth to take advantage of this unique opportunity to gain valuable training and experience.
Participants will leave the camp with a deeper understanding of firefighting and emergency operations, enhanced leadership skills, and a strong sense of community responsibility.
