# National Junior Firefighter Program

The national umbrella program for junior firefighter programs at local fire, rescue, and EMS departments. Free to register; teens train in emergency services, log service hours, and access scholarships, camps, and awards.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | National Volunteer Fire Council |
| Category | volunteer |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Multiple, Multiple States |
| Apply | https://juniors.nvfc.org/ |

## About this program

# National Junior Firefighter Program

The National Volunteer Fire Council launched the National Junior Firefighter Program in 2007 to unify the thousands of local junior firefighter programs across the country. Rather than running a single camp, the NVFC provides the national structure - core competencies, a junior firefighter handbook, sample operating guidelines, training, and a searchable directory - that local departments use to run their junior programs, and that teens use to find one near them.

## What You'll Do

- Find a participating fire, rescue, or EMS department near you through the NVFC's directory and Make Me A Firefighter campaign, then join its junior program
- Learn how emergency response organizations operate in a safe, controlled, supervised setting matched to your age level
- Provide nonoperational support to your department and take part in station duties, drills, and community risk-reduction outreach
- Register free with the NVFC to track your hours of service and access junior-firefighter scholarships, camps, and award opportunities

## Who Should Apply

Teens interested in the fire and emergency services. Minimum ages and permitted duties are set by each department under state law - many programs run tiered membership such as ages 14-15 and 16-17. Departments generally require good academic standing (roughly a C average), written parental permission, and a minimum monthly time commitment, often at least one four-hour block.

## Outcomes

Junior firefighters build teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and commitment, gain documented service hours, and become eligible for NVFC-listed scholarships and camps - and many go on to become certified first responders or lifelong department volunteers.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does National Junior Firefighter Program cost?

National Junior Firefighter Program is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for National Junior Firefighter Program?

National Junior Firefighter Program is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is National Junior Firefighter Program online or in person?

National Junior Firefighter Program is an in-person program based in Multiple, Multiple States.

### How do I apply to National Junior Firefighter Program?

Apply directly through National Volunteer Fire Council's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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