From as far as Chicago and New York, the fire camp designed by the Guil-Rand Fire Department has earned accolades.

Some 45 departments throughout the nation have requested information on the program, said Steve Barr, fire inspector for the department and one of the designers of the camp.

The program has gained so much national attention that the camp was nominated by the executive board of the N.C. Fire and Life Safety Association for an award. The winner will be notified about Feb. 10.

The idea of the fire camp was born through a challenge from Guil-Rand Fire Chief Brian Cox. The department won the Archdale-Trinity Chamber of Commerce’s Meritorius Education Award in 2009 for other efforts to educate children about fire safety.

What more could the department do to educate children about fire safety?

The challenge was answered through the first fire camp held in July.

About 50 kids attended that first camp, said Capt. Charles Cardwell, one of the designers of the program and the department’s training officer.

Campers learned about fire safety, teamwork and how to react in various emergency situations. Campers drew an escape plan, learned the proper procedure for calling 911 and the importance of physical fitness.

“The most popular event was the physical training course, hands down,” said Barr. “You could tell by their actions they were enjoying themselves. They learned something. They had a good time and we had a good time.”

Cardwell describes the national attention as awesome.

“It’s more than I ever expected it to be. I hope it continues to grow.”

Want to go?

The Guil-Rand Fire Department will offer their second fire camp June 21-25. Registration is open. The maximum is 50 children.

If there is enough demand, a second class will be held in August.

The cost for the one-week session is $35. Scholarships are available.

Applications are available at headquarters on S. Main Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 431-1314.