Applications Now Being Accepted for Phoenix Firecamp

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The 6th annual Phoenix Firecamp, a free weeklong overnight camp for girls ages 14-19, will be held July 15-20, 2012, at the Utica Fire Training Academy. The program, conducted by Fire Service Women of NYS, Inc. (FSWNYS), is designed to acquaint young women with their opportunities in fire and emergency services, either career or volunteer. Ninety-seven girls have graduated since Phoenix began in 2007; 88 are from New York state. Click here for full details.

The curriculum utilizes fireground and classroom training to develop confidence, enhance leadership skills, foster friendly competition, nurture community spirit, broaden problem solving abilities, encourage team building, and promote inclusiveness. Hands-on exercises include: aerial ladder climb, basic engine and ladder operations, forcible entry, search and rescue, auto extrication and disentanglement, SCBA usage, water rescue, basic ropes and knots, and a propane drill. Classroom learning focuses on nutrition, fitness, fire safety, the chemistry of fire, SCBA orientation, and differentiating between engines and ladders. At the conclusion of the week, the campers are CPR certified. The curriculum is based upon International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) guidelines.

Although the schedule is rigorous, there is a lot of time built in to socialize, relax, have fun, and make new friends from New York and other states. Camper housing is at the academy, a former firehouse, so the girls have a real "fire house living" experience. The Phoenix instructors and team leaders are primarily volunteer and career members of FSWNYS, who volunteer their time and pay their own expenses for the week. Camp Director Lieutenant Anna Schermerhorn-Collins (FDNY) said that several Phoenix graduates will participate as staff members this year.

"We are proud of the role Utica Fire Department has played in Phoenix Firecamp for the past five years and we welcome the campers and staff ‘home’ to Utica once again," said Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks. "This amazing program has been embraced by many volunteer fire departments in the Mohawk Valley, as well, and we all collaborate to make Phoenix a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the young women." Utica Fire provides camper housing, logistical support, equipment, EMS coverage, and the use of its apparatus, fire houses, and the training grounds. The Frankfort Fire Department donates its mobile flashover simulator for forcible entry and search and rescue exercises.

Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department, a principal partner in the effort, donates transportation, hosts two evening social events, secures donations from area businesses, and coordinates the participation of other volunteer fire departments and their auxiliaries. "The recruitment of young volunteers into the fire service has never been more critical," said James Kimball, former Westmoreland Fire Department chief and a Phoenix staff member. "Phoenix has proven to be a powerful tool. We are gratified by the enthusiastic support that the camp receives from the community." Kimball noted that the majority of the graduates are now involved in their hometown fire departments and several are pursuing degrees in fire science.

Phoenix Firecamp is free, except for a non-refundable $75 application fee. A maximum of 24 campers are accepted annually from a national field of candidates. Only those who have not attended previously may apply. Applicants must be in good health, have medical insurance and come equipped with a pair of steel-toed shoes. Those 17 years old or younger must be transported to and from camp by a responsible adult. Applications are now being accepted and must be postmarked by May 1, 2012, to be considered. Click here for Phoenix information and the application. 

FSWNYS/Phoenix Firecamp was recently selected from a field of 40 nominations from throughout North America to receive the first annual Fire 20/20 Tony Pini Award for outstanding work to build a diverse and inclusive fire department culture. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recognized the importance of Phoenix Firecamp in the recruitment and retention of firefighters by granting a 2010 SAFER grant to FSWNYS to launch marketing efforts for the camp.