City of Colorado Springs / Fire / Summer Heat Fire Camp
Summer Heat, Inc. presents SUMMER HEAT 2009: A Firecamp for Young Women held July 25 and July 27-31, 2009. Summer Heat is an annual weeklong day camp that accommodates 16 to 24 girls between the ages of 15 to 19 and introduces these young women to career opportunities in the fire service. Our mission is to instill the idea that the opportunity exists for women to pursue a public service career. We encourage their pursuit in this field and assist them in deciding whether this is a career of interest. If interested, we provide the girls with direction and the necessary tools to succeed. During the camp, the women develop confidence, enhance leadership skills, and broaden their problem solving abilities. Summer Heat provides a positive and safe environment for the campers. The staff works to foster friendly competition, nurture community spirit, and promote inclusiveness. Summer Heat is one of only two such programs in the US, and the only one of its kind in Colorado.
Camp kicks off with a special, half-day ?pre-camp? team building activity on Saturday morning. The girls attend a confidence course, which allows them the opportunity to get to know each other before their rigorous week begins. Then starting on Monday, the girls undertake an education in safety, physical fitness and nutrition, and a curriculum following International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) guidelines. Upon completion of camp, the girls will be CPR certified, will be educated in proper nutrition, and will have experienced the physical demands and requirements of a firefighter. We also hope they will have a better appreciation for the fire service industry and its employees.
Finally, on Friday night there is a ceremony celebrating the campers? accomplishments. The Fire Chief, along with community leaders and sponsors, will be present while the young women are awarded their certificates of completion. Additionally, the campers may enroll in the Explorer Program if they choose to do so. The Explorer Program is a partnership between Learning for Life and the fire department, which offers continuing education for young adults interested in a fire service career.
Through the generous support of local businesses and volunteers, we are able to offer Summer Heat Firecamp as an affordable service to the community. There is a nominal, nonrefundable $20 application fee. In addition to the challenging education received, the girls will also be provided camp t-shirts, daily snacks and lunches. This is a very exciting opportunity for young women to develop leadership, community, and friendship. We hope you will join us in supporting the endeavors of Summer Heat Firecamp.
For more information, contact Cassie Beckey at cbeckey@springsgov.com or (719) 385-7244.
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