Through a partnership with Women in Fire and supported by funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FEMA FP&S), we are committed to conducting a novel examination of firefighter camps designed for girls and young women across North America with the ultimate goal of creating a national network of stakeholders, firefighters, and leaders who work with these groups.
Over the past several years, there have been multiple camps created across the country to highlight the fire service as an exciting potential career choice for young girls and women.
These camps provide a safe and fun atmosphere for girls and young women to learn about the fire service and build confidence in skills and abilities.
Though more and more camps are being created, there has been no formal examination of the camps, including how many exist, how many women are trained, or a network created to connect these efforts. This leaves a gap in fire service recruitment and retention efforts and leaves those organizing and running camps on their own to find resources and secure funding.
If you know of a camp that is not listed, please reach out to us to add the details here!
- campcourage.ca
- campmolly.ca
- fswo.ca/camp-ffit
- campignite.com
- yukon.ca/en/employment/take-government-training/apply-firefighting-academy-women
- fire.mesaaz.gov/residents/fire-medical/aspireacademy
- girlscoutssoaz.org
- yumaaz.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/727/447
- campblazefirecamp.org
- fire.ca.gov/camp-cinder
- norcalfirstalarmgirlsfirecamp.com
- culvercityfd.org/Fire-Services/EmploymentVolunteer-Opportunities/Becoming-a-Firefighter/CCFD-Girls-Camp#:~:text=The%20mission%20of%20the%20CCFD,Medical%20Services%20(EMS)%20skills.
- elsegundofd.org/administration/community-outreach/fired-up-girls-empowerment-camp
- facebook.com/sdfdgec
- vcfd.org/girlsfirecamp
- cityofvista.com/summit
- joinlafd.org/
- campember.net
- coloradosprings.gov/fire-department/page/summer-heat-fire-camp
- girlsfuturefirefightercamp.com/camp
- statefireschool.delaware.gov/fire-emergency-services-camps/
- pbgfl.gov/Girls-on-Fire-Camp
- facebook.com/campfurykc
- topeka.org/tfd/#gsc.tab=0
- lrpfd.com/empowerment-camp
- fire.baltimorecity.gov/camp-spark-0
- facebook.com/campbailout
- facebook.com/campfuryMichigan
- girlscoutsem.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/summer-camp.html#campfury
- campfullyinvolved.com
- fswnys.org/phoenix.php
- campignitechapelhill.org
- facebook.com/CampIgniteCLT
- greensboro-nc.gov/departments/fire/community-programs/camp-spark
- facebook.com/canyoutaketheheat
- facebook.com/campfierce
- facebook.com/OKCCampInferno
- portlandmetrofirecamp.com
- portlandoregon.gov/fire/58307
- facebook.com/CampHoustonFire
- facebook.com/campfuryutah
- frontlinefemales.mypixieset.com
- henrico.gov/fire
- hampton.gov/2428/Camp-Fury-for-Girls
- manassasva.gov/fire___rescue/summer_camp.php
- facebook.com/CampFuryNorfolk
- charlottesville.gov/1772/CFD-Girls-Fire-EMS-Camp-Inspire
- campblazefirecamp.org
- camphero4girls.org
ADDITIONAL Resources
Camp toolkit
Everything a department or organization needs to plan and run a camp.
Fire camp handbooks
Waivers
Surveys
Funding
Local & State Opportunities.
State Fire Marshal or Firefighter Training Funds.
Many states have dedicated funds to support recruitment/training for fire service, check your State Fire Marshal's office for: Recruitment grants, Youth outreach programs
Community Foundations.
Search for regional foundations focused on: Youth development, Career exploration, and Gender equity/STEM for girls (some categorize firefighting here). Examples: Kansas Health Foundation, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
Local Government/County Funds.
City or county commissions sometimes allocate discretionary funds for nonprofit or outreach events. Reach out to city council members or grant offices.
Corporate Sponsorships & In-Kind Donations.
Fire Equipment Manufacturers. Companies like Globe, MSA Safety, Honeywell, or Lion Gear often support camps with donated PPE or gear.
Utility Companies.
Many have community engagement budgets that support youth education and public safety programs (e.g., Evergy, Enbridge).
Insurance Companies & Local Banks. Groups like State Farm, American Family Insurance, or credit unions support youth safety and career programs.
Community Partnerships
Girl Scouts / 4-H / Boys & Girls Clubs. These organizations may offer liability coverage, volunteer support, and access to grants when partnering on a joint fire camp.
Labor Unions / IAFF Locals. Firefighter unions often have discretionary or community funds that can support women’s recruitment and youth programming.
Tips for Finding and Securing Funding
Align your goals with the funder’s mission: emphasize diversity, recruitment, workforce development, and youth empowerment.
Start local: Community organizations and foundations are often more accessible and supportive.
Track impact: Testimonials, photos, and post-camp outcomes help build a compelling case for repeat funding.
Grant Announcement: Funding Support for Summer Fire Camp Programs in North Carolina
FEMA SAFER & AFG https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters
Department of Justice - Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/programs
NFPA Outreach Grants https://community.nfpa.org/page/grants-awards
