“I’m really excited, but also kind of scared because I don’t like heights. But I think this is going to be a fun experience,” said the boy with a muscle disorder.
Once strapped in, the Arizona youngster scaled without hesitation Wednesday.
“I want to try to be a firefighter someday to prove that people with a muscle disorder or any kind of disease can still shine,” said Gavin, among 100 boys and girls ages 10-16 learning the ins and outs of being a firefighter.
“I get tired out quicker, but I am going to try this camp because a lot of things I can’t do, but I am going to try this,” Gavin said. “It’s actually really fun,” he said of the weeklong camp at the firefighter training facility just north of Lindbergh Field.
Gavin says he encourages others at the camp.
“So for people who have headaches or sore throats, I encourage you to try to do things that you think that you cannot do,” the boy said.
His favorite activity so far is rappelling down a three-story building, which also required him to face down his fear.
Controlling a fire hose was one of the drills at the Junior Firefighting Camp. Photo by Chris Stone
“It is very scary at first, but once you start to do it, it’s really fun. Someone lowers you down slowly, so you really don’t need to be scared.”
The first junior firefighting camp of its kind in San Diego gives boys and girls a chance to learn about the fire service through challenging physical activities and competitions.
Campers have a chance to use firefighting equipment, including hoses and ladders, and are learning search and rescue skills and basic first aid.
The boys and girls view demonstrations from a SDFD technical rescue team, the Metro Arson Strike Team and the Bomb Squad. The camp is staffed by current SDFD firefighters.
“This camp gives kids the chance to participate in firefighting activities which may spark their interest in a fire service career,” said San Diego Fire Chief Brian Fennessy.
“It allows us to engage potential firefighters of the future while at the same time giving kids valuable teamwork and leadership skills.”
About 100 boys and girls ages 10-16 attended the Junior Firefighting Camp. Photo by Chris Stone
Rappelling was the activity that 12-year-old Rider Caswell also enjoyed the most “because we got to jump out of a three-story window and technically just walk down the side of the building,” the Chula Vistan said.
The most difficult?
Knocking down cones with water from a fire hose.
“I really wanted to see what job I want to do in the future,” Rider said. “I’m not sure, so I’ve been going to different camps like a police camp and a fire camp.”
The camp now is giving him ideas of becoming a firefighter.
Kids were invited to take part in an open application process. The only cost associated with the camp this summer is the camp shirt.
Team members help a junior firefighter get into firemen gear in a competitive drill. Photo by Chris Ston
Firefighter Ryan Darosa adjusts Gavin Maltin’s helmet before he climbs an aerial ladder. Photo by Chris Stone
A junior firefighter emerges from a “smoky” room during a drill. Photo by Chris Stone
A junior firefighter practices using a 2 1/2-inch fire hose. Photo by Chris Stone
Junior firefighters watch firefighters demonstrate a response to a house fire. Photo by Chris Stone
A dog trained to find people in a fire locates the “victim.” Photo by Chris Stone
A firefighter shoots water from an extended aerial ladder. Photo by Chris Stone
Junior firefighters enjoy the cooling water from an aerial fire hose during camp. Photo by Chris Stone
Kevin Zahgari, 10, of Poway enjoys the water from a fire hose in warm weather. Photo by Chris Stone
Camp participants splash in the water from the water hose demonstration. Photo by Chris Stone
A female junior firefighter enjoys the showers from a hose demonstration from a aerial ladder. Photo by Chris Stone
Junior firefighters watch as firefighter shoots water from an extended aerial ladder. Photo by Chris Stone
Junior firefighters watch a demonstration of responding to a house fire. Photo by Chris Stone
Junior firefighters watch a demonstration of responding to a house fire. Photo by Chris Stone
Firefighters demonstrate taking care of fire victims. Photo by Chris Stone
About 100 boys and girls ages 10-16 attended the Junior Firefighter Camp. Photo by Chris Stone
A firefighter demonstrates CPR techniques on a fire victim. Photo by Chris Stone
Junior fire cadets cheer their team during the Junior Firefighter Camp. Photo by Chris Stone
About a quarter of the participants of the Junior Firefighter Camp are girls. Photo by Chris Stone
Junior firefighters rest between drills at the Junior Firefighter Camp at the San Diego Fire Department training center. Photo by Chris Stone
A cadet sits at the top of an aerial ladder, taking photos of junior firefighters who climb. Photo by Chris Stone
William Burcke, 15, of Spring Valley tries his hand at controlling at 2 1/2-inch fire hose. Photo by Chris Stone
Zander Lizalde, 14 of Escondido enjoys his time in a fire truck. Photo by Chris Stone
Junior firefighter cheer their team before a demonstration. Photo by Chris Stone
A junior firefighter waits for a house fire demonstration to begin. Photo by Chris Stone
Firefighter Freddy Bustillos briefs the junior cadets on fire demonstration to be held. Photo by Chris Stone
A junior firefighter makes his way up an aerial ladder at the Junior Firefighter Camp at the departments training facility. Photo by Chris Stone
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