News Release

New Summer Camp to Introduce Girls to Careers in Firefighting

April 26, 2024

Only a small percentage of women choose careers in firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS). Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue is announcing their first-ever summer camp for girls to help alter this trend.

In collaboration with the Hilton Head Island Rec Center, the department introduces their "HOT Girls Summer Camp" for girls aged 12 to 18. HOT, an acronym for Hands-On Training, Girls Summer Camp offers a week-long immersive and fun experience led by Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue professionals. At "HOT Girls Summer Camp," participants will engage in firefighting drills and emergency medical scenarios, and receive instruction in vital life skills, all geared towards fostering leadership, enhancing confidence, building physical fitness, and strengthening mental resilience.

The five-day camp will take place from Monday, July 22nd, to Friday, July 26th, with sessions running from 9 am to 4 pm daily. The registration fee is $5 for the entire week. Lunch, snacks, and refreshments will be provided each day.

"Our objective is to widen the pathways to careers in firefighting and EMS for everyone, particularly young women," said Hilton Head Island Fire Chief Chris Blankenship. "Participants will have the opportunity to learn from our dedicated team at Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue, as well as interact with women within our department to understand their motivations and career paths."

"Through initiatives like this camp, we seek to inspire middle and high school girls to consider fire and emergency medical service as viable career paths," Blankenship said. According to the National Fire Protection Association, women constitute only nine percent of all U.S. firefighters.

Girls interested in participating in this epic camp can find out more and sign up at islandreccenter.org/summer-sports.