By Matt de Simone
Botetourt County Fire & EMS will once again host its NexGen Fire Academy this summer, offering local youth, both girls and boys, a hands-on introduction to firefighting and emergency services.
Registration for the one-day academy opens at 10 a.m. April 2, with the event scheduled for June 13. Officials say space is limited and encourage families to sign up early.
The program is open to students entering first through 12th grades and is designed to give participants a behind-the-scenes look at public safety careers while building teamwork and leadership skills.
According to the county, the academy will feature a series of interactive training modules led by firefighters and emergency medical personnel. Participants will learn basic fire safety skills and take part in activities such as “Stop the Bleed” training, which teaches techniques to control severe bleeding in emergencies.
Students will also have the opportunity to explore fire trucks, ambulances and specialized equipment used in the field. Demonstrations and guided instruction will allow participants to see firsthand how crews respond to emergencies.
In addition to hands-on training, the academy will include talks from experienced fire and EMS professionals, who will share insights about their work and the variety of career paths available in emergency services.
Organizers say team-building exercises will be a key part of the day, helping students develop confidence, communication skills and resilience through group challenges.
The event, which is now open to both boys and girls, marks a shift from previous years when similar camps were geared specifically toward girls.
“Our camp has always been rooted in empowering young people with confidence, skills, and a strong sense of belonging,” said Fire and EMS Recruitment and Retention Specialist Taylor Lunsford. “While we’re incredibly proud of our history as a space designed specifically for girls, we also recognize that creating opportunities for collaboration and shared growth can be just as powerful.”
Lunsford said the move to a co-ed format reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity while maintaining the program’s original mission.
“We see tremendous value in bringing boys and girls together in the same learning environment,” she said. “It allows girls to continue building confidence in their abilities while actively seeing— and demonstrating— that they can succeed alongside boys in every aspect of the program.”
She added that the change is intended to expand the academy’s impact while preserving its focus on empowerment, teamwork and leadership development.
This year’s academy will follow a curriculum similar to the previous Girls Fire Camp, with the same overall goals and hands-on approach. However, participation has been expanded to 80 students, up from 60 in past years. Of those, 50 spots are reserved for students in grades one through five, and 30 for students in grades six through 12.
Officials say the academy is geared toward students who are curious about public safety or interested in learning more about how first responders serve their communities. No prior experience is required.
Registration information and additional details are available on the Botetourt County website. Updates will also be shared through the department’s social media channels ahead of the event.
County officials say the goal of the program is to inspire the next generation of first responders while giving participants a fun and educational experience.
