Phoenix Firecamp to Mark Fifth Anniversary

Phoenix Firecamp, the free weeklong overnight camp for teenage girls, ages 14-19, conducted by Fire Service Women of New York State, Inc., (FSWNYS) enters its fifth year July 17-22, 2011. An abbreviated version of a recruit class, the program is designed to acquaint young women with their opportunities in fire and emergency services. 24 campers are accepted annually and prior experience is not needed.

Applications must be postmarked by May 1. Click here for the 2011 Phoenix Firecamp application and other pertinent information.

"In order to access the effectiveness of Phoenix in recruiting more women, I recently emailed the 84 graduates and asked for an update on their activities," said FDNY Lt. Anna Schermerhorn-Collins, camp director. "The 62 percent response rate was great because they had to actually write, not check off boxes in a survey." She said that of the 52 who responded, all but nine are active with their local volunteer fire departments, many on the EMS side. "We are very pleased with the numbers and especially the stories. I wish we could tell them all. The most gratifying outcome is the positive effect Phoenix has had on their lives."

Erin Conn, 18, of Moriches, a biology major who plans to become a surgeon wrote, "It was the auto extrication demo and CPR certification at Phoenix that sparked my interest in the medical field." She plans to become EMT certified this spring. Caitlyn Roberts, 19, of Arkville, has continued her firefighter training and does fire prevention for the local head start program. Ashley Baker, 19, of Lee Center, is the fourth generation member of her family in the fire department and while studying for her degree in fire science at Onondaga Community College, she was a bunk in firefighter with the Onondaga Hill Fire Department.

Karen Jackson, 16, of Charlton, completed firefighter I training at the New York State Academy of Fire Science and aspires to the United States Naval Academy. Victoria Nash, 17, of Truxton, was 2009 firefighter of the year in her department and then rookie of the year for Cortland County. Stephanie Downs, 17, of Sylvan Beach, a member of her local volunteer department wrote, "Phoenix Firecamp really and truly was the chance of a lifetime... because of it I am a stronger person, a more motivated person and all around a more confident person." Chelsea Barry, 18, of Brooklyn, was accepted into the EMT/paramedic AAS program at LaGuardia Community College. Lauren Michels, 19, of Clinton, is an active member of the EMS Squad at SUNY Oneonta and has applied to the Oneonta Fire Department. Bethany White, 21, of Candor, is taking the New York state paramedic exam. Kate Cardinale, 17, of Oneida, will be majoring in fire science administration at the University of New Haven. Jessie Roland, 19, of East Aurora was elected president and lieutenant of the East End Active Hose Company. Victoria Cecere, 15, of Patterson, wants to become the first female firefighter in White Plains.

The Utica Fire Department and Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department partner with FSWNYS in producing Phoenix, the first fire camp in the Northeast. The instructors and team leaders, female members of career and volunteer fire departments, donate their time and pay their own expenses for the week.