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WFD Summer Camp
"Hot shots for a day: Fire department helps teach kids about
leadership" from The
Daily News Tribune
By Melissa Beecher / Tribune Staff Writer
Thursday, August 7, 2003
WALTHAM -- As their confidence went up, a group of Waltham boys and girls went
down -- rappelling from an open window several stories high.
"This really builds the kids' confidence," Deputy Chief Richard Cardillo said
during yesterday's Waltham Park and Recreation Department's Counselors In Training
program. "It's an opportunity for the kids to work with us, as well as introduce
them to the firefighters."
Open to middle schoolers, the week-long CIT program helps open summer counseling
opportunities to kids who have graduated the "Summer Fun" program.
"What we try to do is show kids the basic fundamentals that it takes to be
a leader," said Kim Hebert, program recreation supervisor. "This particular
event is one of the kid's favorites, and is a huge boost for their self- esteem."
Yesterday's "introduction" for 50 CIT participants included scaling down the
firefighter training tower and spraying hoses.
"This is really the highlight of the week for the counselors in training,"
said Hebert. "There is always a great deal of excitement each year when kids
come down to the firehouse for the day."
Firefighters who participated also appreciated the experience.
"We really get a chance to show these kids what we do, as well as give many
of them a confidence boost," said Cardillo. "It is an experience that we all
look forward to."
 Hebert
said that approximately 120 students pass through the program each year. Most,
if not all, of the students have grown up with the Park and Recreation summer
programs, she said.
"Each day of the program is something different, and I think that is what draws
the kids in," she said. "This particular day really stresses aspects of working
as a group and quickly and effectively as possible. It is very intense and the
kids really respond well to this."
The Summer Fun program has been offered by the Park and Recreation Department
for over 50 years. Students are eligible to become full-time counselors when
they become sophomores in high school.
"This is simply a great cooperative effort between the departments," said Hebert.
Photos by Waltham Fire Department from the 2001 Summer Camp
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