Campers go hands-on during week-long search and rescue camp at Big Bend

BY JOE UTTER of iFiber One News

MOSES LAKE – From the crime scene to a mock trial; about 40 campers at Big Bend Community College were immersed in the world of emergency responders last week.

The summer camp for 12 to 16-year-olds called “Serious Gaming: Search and Rescue” centered around a kidnapping; a mother and teenager taken to a cabin in the Potholes.

Throughout the week, the campers worked to solve the crime with the help of Big Bend instructors, emergency responders and other community members.

Day one of camp involved finding clues in the kidnapping case, centered around the suspect played by Moses Lake Public Library Director Tim Fuhrman. Campers worked with Moses Lake police K9 Chief and his handler officer Nick Stewart, learned about using drones in search and rescue missions and had a chance to fly the drones.

The second day featured a mock search and rescue scenario with Grant County Fire District 5 and AMR, followed by a day of working with Big Bend’s Medical Simulation Lab and CPR training.

On Thursday, Moses Lake police detective Adam Munro took campers through crime scene investigations and evidence, and campers also worked on fingerprinting and creating photo lineups.

The weeks’ worth of activities culminated in a mock trial on Friday where campers, playing the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys and experts, presented their case in front of a tough jury: their family members. The result was a guilty verdict.

The goal of the camp was to not only provide a fun summer activity but to get kids interested in careers based on programs offered at Big Bend Community College.

Coordinators for the camp included Kristen McCrae, Ryann Leonard, Dana Borschowa, Jim Leland and Tabatha DeLong covering Medical Simulation Technology, Criminal Justice and Unmanned Systems programs.

For more photos, visit the Big Bend Facebook album, HERE!