A Day in the Life
OF A CADET
ROLL CALL &
HOUSEWORK
The Firefighter Youth Academy is designed to reflect the structure of the fire service. Each Saturday morning youth arrive at 0800. Cadets muster for roll call, uniform inspection, and daily activity briefing.The platoon is broken into smaller squads that perform facility clean up and work with volunteers to prepare breakfast.
FIREHOUSE BREAKFAST
Sharing a meal is a longstanding tradition in the fire service that fosters teamwork and a sense of family. The program provides a nutritious "firehouse breakfast," giving youth an opportunity to informally spend time with mentors. This firehouse breakfast, along with the uniform, provide a group identity that often fills the youth's important need to belong.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
The first activity session addresses challenges faced by inner city youth. Firefighters and other community professionals volunteer their time to present the curriculum and facilitate the activity session. Firefighters who come from similar backgrounds as the youth share stories about how they overcame obstacles while growing up.
2010 - present
2010 - present
PUBLIC SAFETY
In this session, firefighters teach a variety of public safety topics and share their career with the program's cadets, emphasizing community service. Lessons include learning to save lives with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), earthquake preparedness, and a variety of other skills. Youth will be prepared to support Fire Department efforts by providing public safety information and training to low income residents.
