DURHAM’S G.I.R.L.S. CAMP A WEEKLONG SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM FOSTERS RELATIONSHIPS AMONG WOMEN IN OUR POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND YOUNG GIRLS
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t’s possible to create lasting relationships … Their ideas culminated this past August as a weeklong if you create programs that are focused and camp for girls aged 11 to 15, called G.I.R.L.S., or “Grow, designed with youth, and do that engagement Inspire, Reach, Learn and Serve.” continuously,” says Alexis John, community strategic The week kicked off with an introductory breakfast at the planner for Durham’s Neighborhood Improvement Durham Armory, where the program was hosted apart Services Department. from various field trips. Over the course of five days, the NIS staff and the City of Durham Fire Department, camp presented talks with female mentors including Duke working alongside Staff University Softball Head Sgt. Brie Butler of the Coach Marissa Young, Durham Police Athletic Durham Fire Department League (DPAL), started Battalion Chief Angelica a free camp for girls Stroud Greene, thenliving in underserved Morrisville Police Chief areas of Durham that Patrice V. Andrews (she would offer mentorship was appointed Durham’s and remove barriers new police chief on Nov. to new experiences. 1) and Durham Police Planning began in spring Department Deputy 2021. “We focused on Chief Melissa Bishop. Oxford Manor, which “We had specific is a [Durham Housing questions for the Authority] community. panelists, but the girls also … We wanted to create had the chance to ask the Four women who hold leadership roles in male-dominated fields – Durham a camp for them, so women any question they Fire Department Battalion Chief Angelica Stroud Greene, Duke Blue Devils we wanted to make had about their journey Softball Head Coach Marissa Young, Durham Police Department Deputy Chief Melissa Bishop and Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews – sat on a sure they were a huge and how they got to the career panel that kicked off the G.I.R.L.S. camp this past summer. part of the planning position they’re in now,” effort,” Alexis says. They Alexis says. also included input from children living in the Club The group also made trips to educational community Boulevard DHA community. Girls shared what they garden Catawba Trail Farm and Spruce Pine Lodge would want to participate in during the camp week. “We in Bahama and attended a demonstration and learned can build trust if we’re consistent and provide activities about fire safety at Fire Station No. 1. they’re interested in,” Alexis explains. The week also included Zumba and journaling, team building and crafts, a career panel and lessons on
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