LAKE GOODWIN – About 40 teenagers gathered at Camp Killoqua last week to learn what to do in case of a disaster.

It was the first-ever summer camp hosted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Campers were in grades 8 to 12. They did traditional camp activities, such as tie-dying T-shirts, but also took part in a series of life-saving scenarios.

They learned about fire equipment from the Marysville Fire District personnel including Capt. Matt Campbell and firefighters Dakota Herrington, Ben Williams and Dustin Jensen.

Students also watched the Washington National Guard practice a helicopter rescue.

About 200 students applied from one of four states that make up FEMA Region 10: Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.

Most came from Alaska. That could be because of the 7.0 earthquake in the Anchorage area last November.

“I think that kind of hit home, the importance of this,” said Ilyssa Plumer, FEMA’s regional community preparedness officer. “A lot of the campers actually experienced that big earthquake and realized, we want to be more confident in what to do.”

The agency paid for most of the campers’ costs, including plane tickets. FEMA hopes to host the camp in Alaska next year.

Left to right, Marysville firefighter Dakota Herrington and Capt. Matt Campbell talk to students.

Marysville Capt. Matt Campbell gives instructions.

Participants deal with a victim in a neck brace.