Phil Campbell student attends camp
Courtney Todd, a Phil Campbell sixth grade student, was one of 96 students in Alabama chosen to attend the 2015 Be Ready Camp in Huntsville, Ala.
Phil Campbell student Courtney Todd knows about disasters, and now, after attending the Be Ready Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala., she knows how to be prepared for and how to react after a disaster.
Todd was in second grade during the tornados that ripped through Phil Campbell and other parts of Alabama in April 2011. Now as a sixth grade student, she said she remembers and understands what happened on that day and that she is prepared for something like that in the future.
“I learned a lot during the camp,” Todd said. “I definitely learned what I was looking for when I went. I was interested in learning how to be better prepared and how to be ready and the camp definitely provided some good lessons.”
Todd was one of 96 students in Alabama chosen to attend the camp that was hosted at the Space and Rocket Center March 24-28.
The selection process included Todd having to submit an essay that covered a given topic, but Todd took a different route that she thinks helped her land the selection.
“The essay was supposed to be about what kind of impact a disaster can have on my community and what I could do to prepare for and respond to a disaster,” Todd said. “But I went with a first-hand account of what I had already witnessed and what could be done in the future.”
Todd’s essay begins, “My name is Courtney Todd and I know from personal experience that a disaster can have a huge impact on your life and community. On April 27, 2011, Franklin County was hit by an EF5 tornado. Many people lost lives or were injured.” And through the next 300 words she continued making her case clearly, concisely, and with the maturity of someone twice her age.
Todd said they learned everything from disaster triage to CPR during the five days at the camp.
“We did a lot of disaster simulations and a lot of teamwork activities,” Todd said. “One main thing we learned was how to work with others and to understand that everyone is different and has strengths and weaknesses.
“We were divided up into teams when we got there and that was a focus of the camp—working together as a team,” Todd said. “Our team received pins for being the best team during the camp.”
Though the camp was an opportunity for the students to learn about disaster response and disaster preparation—serious subjects—Todd said they did have some fun.
“When we first got there they showed us our bunk beds and got us together where we all got to know each other and were given call signs,” Todd said. “We had to go around and talk a little bit about ourselves and I told them I liked Arby’s. So then they gave me ‘Roast’ as my call sign.”
Todd said she was glad she was chosen and able to attend the camp and she felt she learned a lot by attending.
“One thing that kind of became our motto over the five days was to do the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people,” Todd said. “I liked that idea and that has really stuck with me. It was an honor to be able to attend.”
