What is Be Ready Camp?

Be Ready Camp was created by the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (GFBCI) and the Alabama Department of Homeland Security (AL-DHS), in conjunction with the Madison County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the United States Space and Rocket Center (USSRC) to teach 6th graders about disaster preparedness and response.  The first Be Ready Camp was conducted using 6th graders from four schools in Madison County in September 2006 at the USSRC in Huntsville, Alabama. 

The campers learned about topics that ranged from fire safety to light search and rescue.  Be Ready Camp culminated the last evening with a mock disaster, where the campers worked side by side with first responders to respond to a simulated plane crash.    Using the skills that they learned during the week, such as medical triage and light search and rescue, they were able to triage and prioritize disaster victims and were able to move them out of harm’s way.  In addition, the campers were also able to plan out their response by working together as a team by efficiently delegating tasks to the suitable person and maintaining strong communication with each other.  The campers graduated on Be Ready Day, Thursday, September 14, 2006, where Governor Bob Riley commended them for their efforts during Be Ready Camp, while encouraging them to take the preparedness message back to their schools and families.

In 2008, the GFBCI and AL-DHS will opened the camp to children from all over the state. Three camps will take place this year  The first will be September 2-6 with campers from North Alabama, September 9-13 with campers from South Alabama, and September 16-20 with campers from Central Alabama.  On the final day of camp, graduation will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the USSRC.  Family and friends of the campers are welcome to attend graduation and celebrate the campers’ accomplishments.