Dawson County Emergency Services invites all current sixth and seventh graders to attend the Junior Fire Academy this summer.

For one week, beginning July 26, students will learn basic fire instruction skills, CPR and first aid, along with other structured activities.

Participants will tour Dawson County Emergency Services facilities and attend K-9 demonstrations, while developing teambuilding and leadership skills.

Junior Fire Academy offers fun, games and excitement and will wrap up with an awards banquet on the last day.

Last summer marked the inaugural Junior Fire Academy. Participant Max Muldoon wasn’t sure what to expect when he signed up.

“At first I thought it was just another camp, but the Junior Fire Academy really redefined teamwork and family for me,” Muldoon said.

“The emergency services personnel worked so hard to make the week fun and exciting, while teaching us real life skills. It helped me to understand the importance of what we can accomplish when we work toward a common goal — the good of our community,” he added.

Students will be selected to attend Junior Fire Academy based on their entry of an essay entitled: “Why I Want to Attend Junior Fire Academy...”

The essay should be limited to one page and must contain the student’s name, address, phone number and date of birth.

Essays must be returned to the student’s homeroom teacher by Friday.

Students will be notified of acceptance by mail.

Private or home-schooled students should contact Dawson County Emergency Services directly.

Junior Fire Academy will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 26-30 at Riverview Middle School. Lunch will be provided and there is no cost to attend.

For more information, contact Dawson County Emergency Services Assistant Chief Robbie Hughey at (706) 974-1016 or Cathy Brooks at (706) 344-3501, Ext. 255 or e-mail cbrooks@dawsoncounty.org.