Calling all future firefighters! The Goodyear Fire Department is giving high school girls (sorry boys) a first-hand look at what it takes to walk in a firefighter’s shoes — at least for a week!
The week-long camp, this year from June 19 to 23, features female speakers who are also in the field.
“Through one-on-one time with female leaders in the fire department, these young ladies will get information that can help them further develop leadership skills and learn the importance of fitness and nutrition in public safety careers,” Fire Chief Paul Luizzi explained. “This camp helps us educate more young people on the benefits and rewards of a career they might not otherwise get exposed to.”
Sisters Allorah and Natalie Collins tell ABC15 the camp has been a lot of fun and has taught them a lot.
"It’s really interesting -- 80 percent of being a firefighter is actually not fighting fires,” said Allorah. “It’s usually taking calls like car accidents or injuries.”
Goodyear Firefighter Lora Davis says their Chief came up with the idea of the camp after hearing about a similar program down in Tucson.
“They are learning to conquer their fears,” said Davis. “They get CPR certified and we do a lot of confidence building and team-building activities.”
She continued: “It's not just about being a firefighter. It's about not putting any limitations on yourself and knowing you really can achieve what you want if you put your mind to it.”
Davis says the camp started three years ago and now has 15 girls.
“We are already getting calls about camp for next year,” said Davis.
For more information, email Lora Pinkerton at Lora.Pinkerton@goodyearaz.gov.
The camp costs $50 and includes a T-shirt, snacks and an award ceremony that camp-goers and their families are invited to. All girls must sign a liability waiver form and complete a pre-camp sports physical.
