Treasure Lake KOA in Pennsylvania hosted Camp Confidence participants and community members on June 11 for a Touch-A-Truck event featuring hands-on public safety demonstrations and fire prevention education.
The event brought together youth campers, campground guests, and local residents for hands-on exposure to emergency and service vehicles, along with appearances by public safety professionals and wildlife prevention representatives.
Camp Confidence, a nonprofit day camp serving individuals ages 3 to 21 with disabilities, participated in the program as part of its summer activities.
“Camp Confidence is a nonprofit day camp serving individuals ages 3-21 with disabilities. Its mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and enriching summer camp experience that empowers children and young adults to build confidence, independence, friendships and lifelong memories,” according to a Treasure Lake KOA news release, as reported by The Progress on June 20.
The event was designed to engage campers and visitors in a shared environment that encourages inclusion and community participation.
Visitors explored a range of vehicles and equipment, including patrol cars and emergency response units, while also interacting with professionals serving local agencies.
Among those in attendance were representatives from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, DuBois City Police Department, the United States Army, DuBois Volunteer Fire Department, the National KOA NASCAR trailer, wildlife prevention expert Larry Bickel, and Smokey Bear.
Youth attendees were observed interacting with emergency personnel, exploring vehicles, and engaging with public safety exhibits, including the NASCAR trailer and law enforcement equipment, according to event descriptions provided by organizers.
“This special event reflects the shared commitment of Camp Confidence and the DuBois-Treasure Lake KOA to fostering inclusion, community engagement and meaningful experiences for individuals with disabilities,” the news release said.
Fire prevention education was a central component of the event, with Larry Bickel, longtime emergency management coordinator for Sandy Township and one of the area’s remaining active forest fire wardens, participating alongside Hannah Gregory, a 16-year-old firefighter.