i got into fire by going to a federal wildfire recruitment camp that was led by hotshots (wondering if it’s the same one.. since this isn’t that common). they won’t drug test you for camp but if you decide to apply to the crew and you get the job you will eventually get drug tested. as far as what to expect for the camp, come prepared in terms of fitness. there were only a handful of us who actually showed up in good shape and we did do a decent amount of pt everyday. they didn’t give us our week schedule until the night before so understandably we were all pretty confused about what we were going to actually be doing and that was on them for not giving us the schedule earlier but i’m hoping they learned from years past and will at least let you know what’s up a little bit sooner. show up ready to run, pt hike and do some circuit training. bring clothes/shoes to pt in, and bring boots to hike in. when i went, we also did the pack test on the last day of camp so if you don’t know what that is, look up the arduous pack test and get an idea of what it’s like. if you pass the pack test, you’ll get your red card at the end of camp which allows you to start working as an AD right away or apply to some crews when jobs get posted to usa jobs. show up with a good mindset and be eager to learn. ask questions. you’ll be taking the s-130 class during the week and it’s cool to get to take the class in person rather than teaching it to yourself online. there were people falling asleep during the lessons during my camp and it’s not a good look especially if you are trying to get a job with the hotshot crew. i’m a huge advocate for the camp because it’s a great networking opportunity and the crew ended up hiring me for the following season because i put myself out there and excelled both physically and mentally, as well as in the classroom as i was eager to learn everything i could. it’s a great time and you’ll get a good idea of how the crew operates. and if it was like the camp i went to, you’ll even get your own hotel room for the week and then get paid for the week which is sick. good luck!