The IAFC recently published a free, comprehensive guide for creating and sustaining fire camps as a way of engaging members of the community to consider a career or vocation in emergency services. The 68-page guide includes sections on budget and finance; liability concerns; logistics; teaching styles; and general information on potential policies and programs departments can integrate into their own plans. Additionally, the publication includes guidance for camp structure and management, as well as for the recruitment and development of camp personnel. Many testimonials extolling the value of these camps are also included, with photographs from past events.
A gateway for potential female recruits
Although the guide makes a point of saying that these camps can be developed for any demographic, including adults, most of the photographs and testimonials are from young women – a target group.
There is no question that these camps have a significant impact on young women who might be considering involvement in the fire service. As one former camper said, “Camp Ignite has been a great influence in my life. As a paramedic, red seal millwright [aka industrial mechanic] and former volunteer firefighter, it was a place that offered great direction for someone looking for mentorship, leadership and more a safe place to just be supported, valued and seen.”
Women still represent a small minority of active firefighters: only 3.9% of the career fire service, and only around 9% of all firefighters inclusive of volunteers. Some departments have yet to include their first woman among their ranks, and many leaders point to the difficulty of recruiting qualified women. Some of this difficulty is undoubtedly due to the lack of awareness among young women that fire and emergency services careers are even an option, and what is involved with preparing oneself for such a career.
Girls’ fire camps are a proactive way to address this disconnect. Through the camp experience, young women learn what the job entails, what is required to succeed in it, and what rewards and challenges await them if they pursue this vocation.
While some agencies and municipalities specifically focus on girls for the camps they offer, others allow for participation from a wider demographic set. Yet these camps still place an emphasis on recruiting young women, as illustrated by language for the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Camp SPARK: “All are welcome to show up as their fullest selves to learn how service, professionalism, attitude, respect, and kindness (SPARK) should be applied to the fire service and life.” However, the department goes on to say, “the core of the camp’s mission is to introduce young girls to the fire service in an exciting and safe way.”
How to use the IAFC Fire Camp Guide
The IAFC guide includes a variety of tips and tools to make fire camps successful, from beginning to end and for everyone involved, including:
- A detailed checklist for developing a permission document for young campers, as well as advice on managing liability for a sponsoring organization;
- A guide to developing a camp staffing plan, including organizational charts and detailed job descriptions;
- Ideas for how to recognize and show appreciation for volunteers; and
- A sample lesson plan for a hands-on camp training activity that can be modified for additional topics.
Another benefit of this guidebook is identifying possibly overlooked pitfalls that can be avoided. For example, the book addresses the issue of photos taken during the camp and, if minors are present, how permission for any photographs can be obtained.
One of the best aspects of the guide comes at the end, with two pages of links that provide information on everything from marketing to budgeting to lesson planning. Fire camp guides developed by other agencies are also linked, such as an excellent one created by the Sacramento Fire Department.
Lessons for the fire service and beyond
Not everyone who participates in a fire camp will go on to pursue a career or vocation in emergency services. But as one camp leader wrote, “No girl goes through the experience unchanged. At fire camp, she learns to push herself far beyond what she once thought she could do … and she emerges with drive and an unshakeable confidence to go out into the world and excel.” Those are outcomes that will benefit society, no matter what campers decide to do with their lives.
