TEEN CERT Summer Camp Graduates a Diverse Cohort of Future Responders, Strengthening Eastern Sierra Communities

MONO COUNTY, CA. (August 13, 2025) – A diverse group of 24 teenagers from across the Eastern Sierra successfully completed the TEEN CERT Summer Camp, gaining valuable life-saving skills and a new sense of community resilience. The program brought together young people from various towns (from Keeler to Bridgeport and Smith Valley, NV) and backgrounds (various school systems and districts), uniting them in a shared mission to become prepared and ready to assist during emergencies.

Over the course of the camp, participants were immersed in hands-on training that covered essential disaster preparedness and response skills. They learned how to provide basic first aid, stop the bleeds and hands only CPR, conduct a rapid damage assessment, extinguish small fires, and perform search and rescue operations. Beyond the technical skills, the campers developed a strong foundation in teamwork, communication, and leadership—critical abilities that will serve them in any situation.

"The enthusiasm and dedication of these young people is truly inspiring," said Bri Chappell-McGovern, an instructor for the camp. "This isn't just about learning skills; it's about building a network of confident, capable individuals who are prepared to help their neighbors. The fact that we had kids from so many different parts of the Eastern Sierra working together shows that our strength lies in our ability to unite as a region." 

The TEEN CERT program's impact extends far beyond the summer. By empowering these teenagers with a sense of purpose and practical knowledge, the program creates a ripple effect of preparedness throughout the Eastern Sierra. The graduates return to their schools, homes, and neighborhoods with the tools to respond effectively, making their communities more resilient in the face of disasters and medical emergencies.

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