Emergencies or disasters can happen at any time or any place without warning. Planning for disasters and response efforts must take in account the unique needs and abilities of children who make up a quarter of the United States population. Being involved in a youth preparedness camp is a great way to increase a community’s resilience and help foster future generations of prepared adults.

UA-Pulaski Technical College, Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, and Saline County Emergency Management offer training to young people in skills such as basic first aid and safety, fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster psychology. When camp is over we believe the youth members will leave with the skills they need to aid in recovery and response efforts in the event a disaster occurs. They will be able to help and support efforts of emergency personnel in a time where as much help as possible could be beneficial to saving a life. Lastly, they will possess the knowledge of not only how to treat those wounded but how to also care and respect their mental state as well. What we instill on the youth today will enable them to be better leaders and caregivers in the future.