Chicago teens learning firefighting skills at "Camp Courage"

Teens from across Chicago are getting a taste of what it's like to be a firefighter this week.

The Chicago Fire Department is hosting "Camp Courage" at the Engine Company No. 121 firehouse in the Beverly neighborhood.

"Once the kids are experienced in it and they get to feel it, they can see themselves, they know they can do this," said CFD District Chief Betty Ortiz.

Camp Courage is a three-day program held in seven neighborhoods across the city over seven weeks. Kids hoist ladders, haul gear, and do their best to get a handle on a hose.

"Some kids don't realize the torque that has when it pushes you backwards," Ortiz said.

At 15 years old, Boubacar Sidibe already had a good grip on this firefighting stuff at Monday's first day of camp.

On Tuesday, the teens at the camp at Engine 121 will also get a taste of emergency medical services training.

"It gives us a little glimpse of what they do," he said.

Sidibe said not many other high school sophomores are as dead set as he is on firefighting.

"No, it's just me right now so far," he said.

Next year, he plans to enroll in the Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy.

"It's really everything. You're helping out people. You get to hang out with your coworkers and buddies. It's just an amazing job all around," he said.

The summer camp could be just the start of a career.

The campers at Engine 121 graduate on Wednesday.                   

In addition to teaching teens about firefighting, organizers said the camp aims to teach them leadership and team-building skills.