The seventh annual Phoenix Firecamp, a free week-long overnight camp for girls ages 14-19, will be held July 21-26, 2013, at the Utica Fire Training Academy. The program, conducted by Fire Service Women of NYS, Inc. (FSWNYS), in partnership with the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department and the Utica Fire Department, is designed to acquaint young women with their opportunities in fire and emergency services.
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. Among the hands-on exercises are aerial ladder climb, basic engine and ladder operations, forcible entry, search and rescue, auto extrication and disentanglement, SCBA usage, water rescue, and a propane drill. Classroom learning includes nutrition, fitness, engine and ladder basics, and fire safety. 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 fire house, 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.
Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department, a principal partner in Phoenix Firecamp, donates transportation, hosts team building exercises and an evening social event, 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 chief and a Phoenix staff member. "Phoenix has proven to be a powerful tool; the majority of the 119 graduates are now involved in the volunteer fire service in their hometowns."
"Since Phoenix began in 2007, the program has been supported in various ways by many Mohawk Valley volunteer fire departments," he said. "They include Clinton, Cedarville, Clark Mills, Deansboro, Deerfield, Lake Delta, Lee Center, Leonardsville, New Hartford, New York Mills, Oriskany, Stanwix Heights, Frankfort Center Ladies Auxiliary, West Winfield, and Yorkville." The Frankfort Fire Department donates its mobile flashover simulator for forcible entry and search and rescue exercises.
The applicants must be in good physical condition, have medical insurance, a positive attitude, and be willing to abide by the rules of the camp and participate in all the activities. Those accepted are expected to submit medical clearance from their doctor, arrange for their own transportation to and from Utica, and come equipped with a pair of steel-toed shoes to substitute for boots. Other protective gear will be provided by the camp.
Phoenix Firecamp is free, except for a non-refundable $100 application fee. A maximum of 24 campers are accepted annually from a national field of candidates. Applications are now being accepted and must be postmarked by May 1, 2013, to be considered. Complete information and the application are available here.
New York State Association of Fire Chiefs