Every Monday, a Milton fire engine pulls up to Camp Joyful Soles and firefighters set up the ladder, open the truck doors and help campers try on bunker gear. Every Tuesday, Milton police officers do the same.

The weekly first responder visits are a fixture of the seven-week summer day camp, which serves 35 campers ages 13 to 22 with what the city describes as mild to moderate disabilities. Milton's parks and recreation department runs the program.

Campers can start as young as 6 at Camp Happy Hearts in Alpharetta, then graduate to Camp Joyful Soles at age 13.

Camp Manager Brooke Nolan, who has worked with Camp Joyful Soles for 10 years and led it for several of those, said the routine gives campers something they rarely get elsewhere.

"I think it's good for them to have interactions with first responders outside of an emergency … [also, it gives them the] opportunity to learn a little bit more and be comfortable," Nolan told Appen Media.

Firefighter Josh Boone said a typical Monday visit includes extending the engine's ladder, letting campers see inside the vehicle and helping them put on firefighting gear. He said he hopes the visits teach campers what firefighters do and that they are "friends here to help."

Lead camp counselor Rhea Gupta said campers have started sitting in the truck and getting behind the wheel. The water hose, she said, is the biggest hit.

Engagement varies by camper. Nolan said some pull the hose independently while firefighters assist others. Some ask questions; others observe.

Nolan said some campers have attended every summer for as long as she has been with the program, returning year after year for the full seven weeks.

The campers know the schedule by heart. They walk in announcing "it's Monday, it's fire department day" or "it's Tuesday, the police will be here," Nolan said. When an emergency call pulls first responders away, staff tell campers they're off fighting crime or putting out fires.

Residents can find more information about Camp Joyful Soles at miltonga.gov/government/parks-rec/camp-joyful-soles.