Kids Get Hands on with Police & Firefighters at this Free Dubuque Camp

Remember those childhood days when you dreamed of wearing a police badge or sliding down a fire pole? For many kids, the idea of being a hero, solving crimes, or rescuing people from danger is incredibly exciting. Well, this summer, the Dubuque Police Department and the Dubuque Fire Department are offering a fantastic opportunity for local youth to turn those dreams into a reality—at least for a couple of days.

Introducing the 2024 Dubuque Police and Fire Youth Camp!

This engaging, hands-on camp allows middle school and high school students to experience the real-life excitement and challenges faced by police officers and firefighters. And the best part? It's completely free! The camp runs in June with two different age groups enjoying some time with our local heroes. Camp schedules are as follows:

• Ages 11-13: June 17-18, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Ages 14-18: June 20-21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Registration is open now and closes on Sunday, May 19th. There’s no fee to register, but pre-registration is mandatory. With only 45 spots available in each age group, participants will be chosen via a lottery system, giving Dubuque residents a slight edge if the camp fills up quickly.

You can register online or pick up a paper registration form from any of these locations:

• Carnegie-Stout Public Library: 360 W. 11th St.
• Fire Headquarters: 11 W. 9th St.
• Dubuque Law Enforcement Center: 770 Iowa St.

The camp will be held at the Dubuque County Emergency Responder Training Facility, located at 14928 Public Safety Way, near the Dubuque County Fairgrounds.

During the two-day camp, participants will dive into a variety of activities, all under the guidance of experienced police officers and firefighters. These activities include:

• Rappelling: Learn the ropes of descending safely from heights.
• Crime Scene Investigation: Put on your detective hat and solve a mock crime.
• Search and Rescue: Discover the essentials of finding and helping lost or injured individuals.
• Wellness and Movement: Stay fit with fun physical activities.
• SCBA Skills: Get familiar with the self-contained breathing apparatus used by firefighters.
• Fire Extinguisher Skills: Practice putting out fires safely.

And that's not all! These activities are designed to be both educational and fun, giving kids a glimpse into the daily lives of their local heroes.

Here's some additional details for the 2024 Dubuque Police and Fire Youth Camp:

• Cost: The camp is free, and lunch is provided.
• Drop-Off: 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. each morning.
• Pick-Up: 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. each day.
• Waiver: A parent/guardian must sign a waiver on the first day of camp.
• Attire: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for summer weather and physical activity. Remember, NO OPEN-TOED SHOES.

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For any questions, feel free to reach out to:

• Captain Steve Radloff: sradloff@cityofdubuque.org | 563-587-3807
• Assistant Fire Marshal Derek Paulson: dpaulson@cityofdubuque.org | 563-589-4195

So, if your child has ever imagined themselves racing to the rescue or solving a mystery, this is their chance to "live" the adventure. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, have fun, and maybe even discover a future career path. Sign up your kids today and let your child play hero for a few!