‘Spark the Flame’ Fire Camp – the St. Augustine Fire Department’s free empowerment firefighting camp for girls returns!

When:  April 18–19, 2025  — 8:00am–3:00pm each day – with check-in from 8:00am-8:30am

Where:  City Fire Station #1

The camp’s objective is to provide young girls with an understanding of the fire service, promote discussions about women’s roles in firefighting, foster confidence, teamwork skills, and inspire and empower its participants.  In 2024, the inaugural program was wildly popular and hosted 50 campers in two days, spanning the ages of 11 to 15 years old. This year, with some fine-tuning, the department expects another successful event.

Campers will have the opportunity to participate in a range of physical challenges that are specifically designed to simulate real-life firefighting scenarios. This includes:

* learning how to handle and control a fire hose
* operate a nozzle to control water flow
* search and rescue exercises
* climbing and rappelling techniques
* learning about essential firefighting skills, such as ventilation and forcible entry.
* practice these skills under the guidance of experienced professionals

The camp also offers physical training, led by a team of female firefighters, which is an essential component of the firefighting profession. This will help build strength and endurance, which are critical for performing the physically demanding tasks of firefighting.

Camp counselors and team leaders will be comprised of local, regional, and statewide volunteer female firefighters.

St. Augustine Fire Department is coordinating the camp with local community partners to provide free lunch, complementary t-shirts, and a souvenir tote bag.

Free event for all who attend – Space is based on school age for each day!
Friday, April 18      —  Middle School Students, Grades 6, 7, and 8.
Saturday, April 19  —  High School Students, Grades 9 – 12.

Camp applications, along with additional details, are available by clicking the event website link … and will be accepted through Friday, February 28, or until both days of camp are booked.

You can also call the St. Augustine Fire Department at 904-825-1098 for additional information.

Image used is from the City’s website.