Emergency Services Career Camp
Sign up for this year's Emergency Services Career Camp (ESCC).
ESCC is a 2-day camp for youth aged 15 to 19, hosted each year by Waterloo Fire Rescue, Waterloo Regional Police Service, and Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services.
On this page:
What to expect at ESCC
This year’s camp will run for 2 days in September 2026. Check back for exact dates.
The application deadline is July 31, 2026.
ESCC is a transformative 2-day experience designed to challenge and empower youth interested in a future as a first responder.
Participants will:
- learn practical skills in safe, supervised conditions
- gain hands-on experience as a police officer, firefighter or paramedic
- build emergency preparedness skills
- take part in simulated rescues
Who can apply
ESCC welcomes youth aged 15 to 19 who want to learn about careers in emergency services.
We encourage applications from youth who identify with marginalized groups, including Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, and religious minority communities, and people at the intersections of these identities.
Applicants must:
- live in Waterloo Region
- be currently in high school within the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) or Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB)
- be in good physical condition
- have a positive attitude and follow safety rules
- participate in all activities and classes
- have a valid provincial health card
- bring CSA-approved steel toe boots with the green triangle logo (required but does not exclude you from applying)
- be able to wear all protective gear provided
- follow all public health rules
How to apply
Applications for ESCC 2025 are now closed.
Check back for 2026 camp details and application dates.
Getting to camp
Camp runs daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training and Research Centre.
The nearest transit stop (at Erb Street West and Ira Needles Boulevard) is about 1.5 km away — plan your route on the Grand River Transit website.
Free parking is available on-site.
Get directions from Google Maps
Become an ESCC volunteer
If you’ve been part of the Emergency Services Career Camp (ESCC) before, or you’re studying or working in emergency services, you may be able to volunteer.
You can apply if you are:
- a current or past ESCC participant
- a student or graduate of the Conestoga College Pre-Service program
- a student at another post-secondary program with an emergency-services major
- a current employee of an emergency service within the Region of Waterloo
Volunteers help:
- support camp activities such as simulated rescues and platoon leadership
- teach campers emergency preparedness skills
- provide first aid as needed
- set up and take down activities
- assist with other tasks as needed
All selected volunteers must attend an orientation session at the Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training and Research Centre.
Only applicants selected as volunteers will be contacted.
Check back for 2026 volunteer details.