Youth Resources
Empowerment Camps, Fire Cadet Programs, Fire Explorer Programs, and additional links to assist in fanning the flames of a fire career for those still in high school.
Each opportunity has varying requirements:
- Age minimums/maximums
- GPA minimums
- Initial training academy
Please contact the WFA if you would like your program listed.
LA County Fire Explorer Program
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Introducing the youth of Los Angeles County to today’s fire and emergency medical services, emphasizing community service and civic involvement through positive mentoring, training, education, and career development.
Basic Requirements:
- 15-20 yrs of age
- Maintain a 2.0 grade point average
Camp ReadyLA
Camp ReadyLA is a FREE week-long program that provides a look into the life of an emergency manager for young program participants aged 17-22. Camp participants will gain disaster preparedness, team building, and leadership skills to pave the way for their professional development.
Our camp coordinators are working hard to ensure Camp ReadyLA 2024 is full of fun and exciting activities that provide program participants with hands-on experience in the field. On the final day of camp, participants will apply what they learned during a Functional Exercise before their graduation ceremonies in the afternoon.
LAFD Fire / EMS Magnet Program
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High School students attending a Firefighter/EMS Magnet Academy are offered the opportunity to learn about a career in the Fire Service with the Los Angeles City Fire Department.
This life learning opportunity will provide students with hands-on experience to develop skills, knowledge, and abilities to prepare and understand what is required to become a Los Angeles City Firefighter.
LAFD Youth F.I.R.E. Program
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The Youth F.I.R.E. Program (YFP) is offered to youth, ages 14-18 years old and is conducted in the Spring and Fall at three different locations. They are each eight Saturdays in duration and have four levels of advancement. YFP provides the students with the technical competencies in the fire service, while developing their communication, physical fitness, leadership, and life skills through LAFD mentors as positive role models.
Orange Couty Fire Authority Cadet Program
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The Orange County Fire Authority Fire Cadet Program is a community- based program that gives youth practical insight into the fire protection profession by engaging in activities centered on emergency services. Fire Cadets are given learning opportunities meant to enhance their life skills, citizenship, character development and leadership, encouraging them to develop into productive adults.
Basic Requirements:
- 14 - 21 yrs of age
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA
San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Explorer Program
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The Fire Explorer program gives youth (ages 14-20) a first hand experience in what it mentally and physically takes to be a professional firefighter. Participants will receive fire service training under supervision of trained firefighters. The program is designed to give participants beneficial experience, discipline, and knowledge that can apply to any career field. To join, contact the Division Headquarters nearest you.
Basic Requirements:
- 14 - 20 yrs of age
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA
Wildland Fire Explorer Program (US Forest Service)
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Our Wildland Fire Explorer Posts focus on training & teaching techniques used in wildland firefighting, investigation, fire science, fire engines, hand crews, aviation, mop-up, prevention, resource management, land management, public service and much more.