CAMARILLO — Thirty girls will learn what it’s like to be a firefighter during the Ventura County Fire Department’s Girls Fire Camp April 15 and 16.
Reporters and photographers are invited to cover the event at the fire department’s Regional Training Center adjacent to the Camarillo Airport. Camp runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
The camp is led and taught by female firefighters from VCFD and fire departments across the West Coast. The youth empowerment program is designed to showcase firefighting, and help them become “Girls with Grit” whether they pursue a firefighting career or not.
“By sharing our personal experiences and expertise, we can help inspire the next generation of female firefighters and leaders in our community,” said Captain Marisol Rodriguez, who founded the program. “And by promoting female representation in the traditionally male-dominate field of firefighting, these programs can break down gender barriers and create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.”
During the two-day camp, participants will learn about fire behavior, firefighting tools and training, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, nutrition, physical fitness and interview techniques. Firefighting training stations include rope operations, ladders, search and rescue, extrication, forcible entry, emergency medical skills and how to use hoses and nozzles.
For more information, visit vcfd.org/girlsfirecamp
WHO: 30 girls, women firefighters, executive staff and elected officials
WHAT: Ventura County Fire Department Girls Fire Camp
WHEN: April 15 and 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day
WHERE: VCFD Regional Training Center. Directions…
WHY: To develop “Girls with Grit” and introduce them to possible careers in the fire service while sharing life skills applicable to any career path.