Camp Phoenix rises to the challenge

Week long camp empowers and inspires teens to join the industry

The County of Brant Fire Department is pleased to announce that Camp Phoenix will return again this summer from July 12-16, 2023 at the Cainsville Fire Station.

Camp Phoenix is a free, immersive day camp for young women ages 14-18 years old who are interested in learning more about a career in firefighting

“Camp Phoenix launched last summer and we had over 50 applications from young women from across the County of Brant and surrounding areas,” said Darren Watson, Fire Chief. “Twenty applicants were chosen to become the first Phoenixes tackling this free immersive experience.”

The young women who were accepted into last year’s camp, got a first-hand look at the ins and outs of the industry through an immersive camp that tested their physical and mental strength through practical activities designed to stimulate real-life scenarios

Just like recruits in training, the girls had the chance to experience all areas of fire prevention and suppression, search and rescue, auto extrication, basic first aid skills and they were introduced to a variety of first responder roles from OPP to paramedics and dispatch communications.

This year, campers will get the opportunity to have interactive conversations with many guest speakers including Emma Woods, professional hockey player, Lori Hamer, London Fire Chief and representatives from the Office of the Fire Marshal, OPP, BrantBrantford Paramedic Services, County of Brant Fire Communications and others.

Modelling last year’s successful camp, the week is capped off with a Phoenix Fit Challenge, graduation ceremony and a keynote speech from Toronto Fire Captain Jessica Clermont

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“With only 5% of career firefighters in Canada being women, Camp Phoenix shows campers that they have the physical and mental abilities to be successful as firefighters,” said Lisa Herbert, County of Brant Firefighter and Camp Phoenix organizer. “During the 2022 experience, campers successfully rescued a firefighter in full gear (approx. 300lbs) from a threestorey fire tower in record time.”

Camp Phoenix alumni will be welcomed back as Leaders-inTraining for the 2023 camp where they will invest in the next generation of Phoenixes while building leadership skills and furthering their experience in the

Fire Service

“It is an unbelievably awesome experience. I made so many connections, learned so many new lessons, and gained so much confidence in myself!” shared a 2022 Phoenix graduate.

Camper applications are open and will close on May 31, 2023. To apply online, visit www.brant.ca/CampPhoenix or call 519 44BRANT, 1 855 44BRANT x 4540 Space is limited

An Open House to learn more about the camp will be hosted on May 4, 2023, from 6 pm – 8 pm at Station 4, 17 Ewart Ave., Cainsville. A presentation, demonstrations and an opportunity for youth and guardians to interact with staff and ask questions will be available

Camp Phoenix is organized and staffed by volunteer firefighters from the County of Brant Fire Department and funded by valued community sponsors. If interested in sponsorship opportunities, visit www.brant.ca/CampPhoenix. To donate to Camp Phoenix, visit www.brant.ca/Donate.

“Camp Phoenix was fully funded through the generous support of our community. Through fundraising efforts,” confirmed Herbert during last year’s Camp Phoenix wrap up ceremony. Over $8,500 was raised which surpasses the $5,000 fundraising target.