VIDEO: Another Successful Belles & Ladders Girls Firefighting Camp Held Last Week

Brockville – The Brockville Fire Department’s (BFD) second annual Belles & Ladders Girls Firefighting Camp held last week was another great success.

The 3-day free camp for young women between the ages of 15-18 years old saw 24 participants learning hands-on training in skills they’d face as firefighters.

The girls learned and experienced practical, leadership and teamwork skills in a safe environment, experiencing fire rescue scenarios and exploring opportunities for future growth.

Video News Story Below:

Brockville Fire Chief Melanie Jones said the goals of the camp are to inspire young women to consider a career in the fire service, but more importantly, to be empowered, to have the confidence to believe they can achieve any goal they set their minds to.

Chief Jones says that the interest in the camp was high this year and they expanded the amount of participants this year!

The girls were divided into four teams: Ash Kickers, Blazing Bellas, Blue Lightning, and Dynamic 8.

They learned how to use a fire extinguisher, how to master their Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs), CPR and rope work, rappelling, firefighter survival skills, auto extrication, hose work, Forcible entry techniques, Search and rescue with a blackout mask, Ladder skills and Aerial operations.

On the final day on Friday in the afternoon, the participants had some fun with Tic-tac-toe, hose bowling, egg transfers, and the bucket brigade.

The camp wrapped up with the ultimate relay, where the girls showed off the skills they learned in front of friends and family.

Chief Jones stated that the camp would not exist without the support of the community, sponsors and volunteers.

For more information on BFD’s Belles & Ladders Girls Firefighting Camp please visit: https://brockvillefire.ca/girls-firefighter-camp/

Please note: a highlight video is still to come!