For teenaged girls in the Tri-Cities wanting to spend a week this summer learning how to fight fires, haul heavy gear and practise first aid, get your pens ready.
The next intake for Camp Ignite is now underway.
Up to 20 female high school students from across Metro Vancouver will be accepted in the sixth annual firefighting camp — with two participants exclusively sponsored by the Coquitlam and Port Moody fire departments and their union locals.
Girls in grades 11 and 12 have until June 3 to apply to be part of this August's mentorship program; however, along with their application form, candidates are required to write a 500-word essay about their personal hero.
Camp Ignite co-organizer Kim Saulnier, a Coquitlam fire inspector, said officials are looking for well-rounded students to fill the spots as well as be team players.
Housed at Simon Fraser University during the week of Aug. 11 to 14, participants will learn together as they make their way to fire halls around the region. There, they'll learn from the professionals about how to battle blazes and put on life-saving gear.
Best of all, the lodging, meals and activities are free to them.
Port Moody Fire Chief Remo Faedo said his smoke-eaters enjoy showing the ropes to the girls. "Camp Ignite is a great opportunity for our department to reach out to female high school students and show them what opportunities are available in the fire service while having fun and learning new skills at the same time," Faedo said.
Still, "this camp is not meant as a recruitment program," camp leader Jenn Dawkins said. "Its purpose is to empower young women, using firefighting activities and letting them know they can do anything in life they choose."
• Applications are now with Coquitlam secondary school counsellors. Completed forms are to be dropped off at the Town Centre fire station (1300 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) by June 3.
