First Responders Camp to enhance EMT, police skills in youth

May 29, 2026
by Rachel Adkins

Registration is closing soon for Maysville Community and Technical College’s First Responders Camp, hosted by Workforce Solutions on the Montgomery Campus.

Spending each day focusing on a different profession, students will work with local first responder teams in various hands-on activities, allowing them to nurture their skills all week.

“This program has 3 main goals: Build a positive relationship between youth and first responders, provide a pathway to the educational opportunities at MCTC that can lead to a career in a first responder-related field, and build confidence and leadership skills in young people,” said Rachel Randle, event coordinator and Workforce Liaison on the Montgomery Campus. “We do this by focusing on the importance of community, responsibility, and setting goals.”

Currently, camp days are set to introduce students to aviation, wilderness search and rescue, law enforcement, fire rescue, and community service. Students will participate in activities related to each field, guided and taught by local teams.

On wilderness search and rescue day, students will be grouped into teams and tasked with locating a “victim” through tracking methods. Once found, students will need to give care to the simulated victim using limited resources and during transport to an emergency vehicle.

Other activities in the camp include a Stop the Bleed class, CPR certification, self-defense, fingerprinting, and a “drunk goggles” obstacle course.

At the end of the week, students will spend the first half of the day completing a community service project in the Mt. Sterling community.

The second half of the day, friends and family are invited to a celebration/graduation ceremony. The Mt. Sterling mayor is expected to hand out certificates, gift bags, and take pictures.

Students will be given the chance to demonstrate the skills they have learned to the guests present.

“We are so proud of this program, and we hope to serve our community by giving our youth a pathway and a light to the future they choose,” said Randle. “Students leave our academy with a feeling of confidence in themselves, with new friends and with an understanding of all their own community has to offer them.”

The First Responders Camp is open to 12-18-year-olds who are interested in learning about various first responder careers, including EMT, police, fire, and more. There are limited spots available.

The deadline to register for the camp is June 12.

To reserve a spot for your student, call 859-274-9628.