Free camp to teach young people ages 12-19 about basic disaster preparedness to be held July 17-19 in Metairie; Call St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at 278-7628

Here’s a chance for St. Bernard Parish teen-agers to learn about basic disaster response skills including fire safety, search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

Sheriff James Pohlmann said St. Bernard parents looking for summer activities for sons and daughters ages 12-19 should consider a free 3-day camp teaching basic disaster preparedness being held July 17-19 at Lafreniere Park in Metairie. He said the Sheriff’s Office is participating.

The event is the Teen Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, which is similar to the old Civil Defense groups which trained volunteers for community emergencies. CERT and Teen CERT are under the overall umbrella of U.S. Homeland Security.

“It promises to be a fun way for young people to learn about important things including leadership, with hands-on practices and realistic exercises that prepare you for the unexpected in your parish,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “There will also be team-building exercises, competitive events and recreational activities.’’

Young people will learn how to do specific things such as proper use of a fire extinguisher, how to organize for search and rescue, terrorism awareness and field exercises with simulated disaster scenarios.

A free lunch will be provided each of the three days of the camp. Those with special dietary needs can bring their own food.

Call Capt. Charles Borchers of the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 278-7628 to register a young person to take part, Sheriff Pohlmann said. Deadline for registration is July 11. Parents or guardians will be required to fill out a registration form, a code of conduct form and permission forms. See attached.

Those who would like to join the adult CERT group being coordinated by the Sheriff’s Office can also call Borchers.

Participants should be prepared for check-in at the Foundation center in Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Boulevard, before 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 17 and Friday, July 18 and before 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 19. Enter the park on West Napoleon Avenue. Families can attend the final day, when awards will be presented.

Click here for More Information and Camp Forms.