Girls and young women aged 15-18 interested in firefighting are being invited to participate in Camp Molly this summer, with the four-day educational program taking place Sept. 18-21.
The summer program is being held in various communities throughout Ontario, and was last held in Greater Sudbury in 2023.
The experience was “absolutely amazing,” 17-year-old Avery Cochrane told Sudbury.com at the time.
“I think all young girls everywhere should be able to do whatever guys can do, especially in a male-dominated profession like this. I think girls should really start to kind of dominate them.”
Cochrane was one of 33 campers who capped their experience by taking part in a competition showcasing the skills they learned from family, which was followed by a graduation ceremony.
Lively volunteer firefighter Lisa Webb was on hand as one of the coaches in 2023, and said she has seen girls go from shy and quiet to “running around here doing all the evolutions and they’re really into it.”
The camp is set up and run by Greater Sudbury Fire Services at no cost to the city.
This year’s effort will include 35 campers divided into seven groups of five who will be led and trained by local female fire captains from both the career and volunteer sections.
Applications are currently being accepted, and can be submitted by clicking here.
Interested participations are required to submit and application explaining why they would like to attend, and must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a girl or woman-identifying student between the ages of 15 and 18
- Live in Greater Sudbury
- Be in good physical condition and have a positive attitude
- Be able to provide their own transportation to and from the fire grounds (Lionel E. Lalonde Centre)
- Possess a valid provincial health card prior to Aug. 14, 2023
- Complete the online application form before the application deadline (a deadline has yet to be established)
- Be committed to attend all Camp Molly activities and required dates
Camp Molly provides the opportunity for these young women to meet and engage with strong female role models in their community,” according to the Camp Molly website.
There are no financial barriers to participate in the summer camp, which is named after Molly Williams, a slave in 1818 when she became the first female firefighter with Oceanus Engine Co. 11, in Lower Manhattan. She is known for answering a call to duty when all of the male firefighters became sick with influenza.