Prince George’s County Hosts Innovative Firefighting Camp for Young Women
Amid rising concerns about youth engagement, especially regarding screen time, a significant initiative took place recently in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Forty young women, aged 14 to 18, participated in a transformative program at the Prince George’s County Fire and Rescue Training Academy, designed to introduce them to the vital, yet often overlooked, field of firefighting. The program, known as Camp Embers, aims to empower young women by providing hands-on training and exposure to various aspects of fire service.
Camp Embers is the vision of Chief Tiffany Green, who holds the distinction of being Prince George’s County’s first female fire chief. “I don’t want to be the last,” Green stated, emphasizing her commitment to breaking gender barriers within the fire service. “The only way to do that is to empower and to be out and exposed.” This initiative not only aligns with Green’s aspirations to diversify the firefighting workforce but also addresses the broader need for gender equality in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Over the course of two days, the participants engaged in a comprehensive curriculum that included practical skills such as vehicle extrication, search and rescue operations, and training in the academy’s burn building. In addition to these technical skills, campers also received education in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), CPR, and First Aid. This multifaceted approach aims to equip young women with both the physical and intellectual tools necessary for careers in emergency services.
Jordan Oglesby, a fire technician and paramedic who contributed to the camp as an instructor, praised the initiative, stating, “This is designed to engage young women in the fire service, and teach them that this is a career field that they can pursue and excel in.” The program stands out not only for its educational content but also for its inclusive environment fostered by a team of 30 dedicated instructors.
The impact of Camp Embers is evident in the words of its participants. Fifteen-year-old Layla Kareem articulated her newfound interest in firefighting, stating, “It’s like something fun, something with an adrenaline rush and something helping people… This may be the role for me.” Such testimonials underscore the camp’s potential to inspire the next generation of female firefighters.
As Camp Embers continues to evolve, it serves as a beacon of opportunity and inspiration for young women considering careers in the fire service. With initiatives like this, Prince George’s County is not only nurturing future leaders in firefighting but also contributing to a more diverse and representative emergency response community. The success of this program highlights the importance of such initiatives in shaping the future workforce and addressing gender disparities within public service sectors.
