Boy Scouts Learn Fire Fighting

The Pee Dee area of South Carolina offers a great program -- Junior Explorers -- which gives Boy Scouts (just the boys, not the girl Venture Scouts) from 14 years old the chance to learn about firefighting. The youth can take certain SC Fire Academy classes and they participate in a rank system group similar to an actual fire department system.

These kids even respond to fires, helping with the hoses and equipment. They are First Aid and CPR trained so they can help if a firefighter gets injured, but they aren't allowed on medical calls until they are at least 18 so they may be more prepared for the scenes they may witness.

Reportedly, many of the kids go on to become firefighters themselves. I'm sure even those that don't have a greater appreciation for the job these men and women do and are better people themselves for participating. It's a great opportunity for Boy Scouts in the area. I hope other areas are offering it. If your child is interested it wouldn't hurt to ask.