On Saturday July 7, 2018 at 0900 hrs. members of the Upperco Junior VFC met and registered for what would be a fun filled and educational weekend.

First on the agenda, the Juniors visited the Carroll County Training Center to run evolutions through the "Maze". The "Maze" simulates some situations that firefighters deal with while in a house fire. While in total darkness they have to manipulate and overcome obstacles like opening windows, climbing across holes in the floor and opening and closing doors. This turned out to be an eye opening experience not only for the Juniors but for the Sr. members. Turns out the Juniors did an outstanding job in the maze! They learned to handle some of the fears and obstacles that firefighters face in dark and unfamiliar situations. Thanks to the Carroll County Training Center for the use of the Maze!

Second, the Juniors visited Member Richard Bleser's house and held a Water Rescue training in his swimming pool. Here the Juniors learned some fundamental life saving skills that pertain to water incidents. They practiced the proper way to handle a possible drowning victim, such as Hiw to maneuver a possible drowning victim to the shallow end if possible. They also practiced scenarios on how to stabilize and back board a patient with a suspected head or neck injury. Once again, the Juniors exceeded all expectations that were set for them. Thanks to Richard Bleser for the use of his pool.

Next, They crew returned to the UVFC Fairgrounds where they held a "Golf Cart Operator Safety” class. Due to the amount of property and events that Upperco has, we own several golf carts to help with the events. This training is very important to ensure the safe operation of the carts.

After that they held a fire extinguisher training class. Proper extinguisher techniques were taught in case of a kitchen fire or even a small fuel fire.

Needless to say, these kids were HUNGRY! The Juniors enjoyed a well deserved, home cooked spaghetti dinner. Big thanks to some of the JR. parents and Sr. members for helping prepare the meal. A few games of whiffle ball and football tossing helped burn off some of the carbs!

After some leisure time came the best part of the night! SMORES by the camp fire! This of course was a huge hit.

Finally the night ended by enjoying an outside movie. What did they watch? A Fire Dept. classic "Ladder 49" of course.

After the movie, it didn't take long for everyone to hit the tents for some much needed sleep.

Sunday morning started off with a hearty breakfast. Thanks to all who helped with the meal.

After breakfast the Juniors along with some Sr. members held a vehicle extrication and EMS training. A leftover demolition derby car made the perfect training vehicle. Mock patients dressed in "moulage" were placed in the vehicle while the Sr. members demonstrated how to safely remove them. Once removed the Juniors got a chance to use the rescue tools to do some cutting and chopping on the car. Some Juniors from our neighboring companies of Glyndon and Lineboro joined in.

Then the Juniors took some time to review what they experienced this weekend and to plan some future weekend adventures like this.

As Chief of the Sr. company, I can't begin to explain how proud I am of everyone that participated and helped with this event. This weekend was one of the most successful events I have ever been a part of. I am very proud to give a huge amount of respect to everyone involve. I also want to thank all of the Jr. supervisors and parents that helped to make this such a success. Great job to everyone!