The free four-day camp, held across Ontario for young women and non-binary individuals ages 15 to 18, is designed to introduce them to a career in fire services. The program, which includes hands-on training in firefighting skills and mentorship from female firefighters, aims to increase diversity in a field that is still predominantly male.
Deputy fire chief Samantha Hoffmann, who was part of a previous camp in Oakville, said she felt it was “important” to bring it to Caledon.
“It’s just so empowering to showcase not just firefighting, but all the different roles in the fire department,” she said. “We have one full-time female firefighter and several volunteers, which is great but not enough.”
Inspired by family and firefighting
Campers were motivated by a variety of reasons, with some having a family member in the fire service, while others were simply drawn to the profession’s mission of helping others and saving lives.
Cadence Skimming said she felt it would be “fun” to explore the possibility of following her grandfather’s profession.
“My grandfather was a firefighter in Toronto and so my mom brought it to my attention,” said the 17-year-old welder from Bolton. “I thought it would be fun to explore if I could become a firefighter.”
Emma Deaguiar, another camper from Bolton, was interested in the profession not just due to her mom’s work at the fire department’s headquarters, but also because she finds what firefighters do “cool.”
She was particularly attracted to the profession’s life-saving work and the way firefighters help people in trouble.
Sarah Hudson, there to support daughter Madisyn, who is autistic, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I appreciate Camp Molly being available to all these girls so that they have this opportunity to see what this job is all about and promoting females in this field.”
The Orangeville resident was “excited” for her 16-year-old, who is “very passionate” about the fire department.
“I work in emergency services and am all for supporting whatever she wants to do,” Hudson said.
The power of mentorship and role models
Hoffmann said she was encouraged to see former campers return as volunteers, especially since some have gone on to become firefighters or are actively pursuing the career.
What started as a confidence-building exercise for Sarah Messiha, for instance, ended with a new dream to fight fires.
“My parents thought it would be a great opportunity to gain confidence and see what a girl can do, but also said it was a dangerous job that was not for me,” said the camper-turned-volunteer. “When my mom came to pick me up, I told her I’m going to become a firefighter.”
Messiha, who was 17 when she participated in the first camp in Vaughan in 2022, said she can’t wait to get on a fire truck. The university student is “counting down the days” and exploring moving to “Nobleton or somewhere else” to become a volunteer firefighter before joining full time.
“Seeing me do my pre-service (training) and the purpose behind it, my parents are super supportive of the idea and like my cheerleaders,” she added.
The University of Guelph-Humber student, who’s pursuing policing and criminology, says it’s different from firefighting but also similar as both include community involvement.
Rana Issakhan’s pre-service firefighter education and training class at Seneca College was offered an opportunity to volunteer at the camp in Quinte West, and she “fell in love with it.”
She said she is motivated to return each year by the positive atmosphere and the opportunity to show young women that firefighting is a viable career path.
“It’s such an indescribable positive feeling … the encouragement and empowerment you experience being here both as a camper and volunteer,” said Issakhan, who’s back for a fourth year.
As another role model for the campers, Caledon OPP Staff Sgt. Kathe Kiamos spoke to participants about her career.
“My journey wasn’t always easy,” she said. “Put in the time, do the work and keep at it. Sometimes, you’ll get a lot of nos. Stay the course and you will get to where you want.”
Hands-on experience
During the camp, the 23 participants, who travelled from as far as Owen Sound and Oshawa, were divided into five platoons and engaged in a wide range of hands-on activities at Caledon’s Fire Station 309 from Sept. 4 to 7.
They practised practical skills, like setting up a fire hydrant and using hoses in timed trials, and took part in simulations covering fire prevention and public education. The program also focused on emergency skills, with a 911 communications dispatch simulation and medical training that included adult and child CPR.
The camp culminated in a graduation ceremony, where participants celebrated their accomplishments after putting their new skills to the test in a combat challenge on the final day.