April 4, 2024 - Back for its third year, the Ann Arbor Fire and Police departments will host Blaze & Blue Camp, a free, four-day program in June for local young women ages 15–18 years. The hands-on camp provides young women the opportunity to experience the most challenging and exciting tasks in firefighting, first response and law enforcement. Registration is now open, and this camp has filled quickly in previous years (don't delay!). Sign up using the online form at https://url.a2gov.org/A2BlazeBlue24. Priority will be given to city of Ann Arbor residents, followed by residents of other Washtenaw County communities.
Camp will take place Monday, June 24–Thursday, June 27, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Participants will train with Ann Arbor firefighters and Ann Arbor police, interacting with women who work in first-responder roles and are rising above barriers and stereotypes. Emphasis is placed on a supportive, educational, hands-on and interactive environment. Lunch is included daily, and participants will receive a complimentary Blaze & Blue t-shirt.
Local teen and past Blaze & Blue participant, Lila, attended the camp because she is interested in a career as a firefighter. She liked the interactive and hands-on aspects of the camp and said the program gave her a real sense of the skills needed to be a firefighter. "I loved all of the drills and training exercises," she said, noting her favorites were rappelling, car extrication and putting out live fires. Lila recommends the program to other young women who are considering or would like to learn more about a career in firefighting or law enforcement, particularly since the program provides direct interaction with the women in these roles. "It was a great experience for any woman interested in being a first responder or even just a week of fun and exciting activities" she said. “Everyone is so nice and helpful, and you will have a great time!"
Activities will include:
Fire extinguisher training, vehicle extrication, 100-foot aerial platform rides and rappelling.
Patrol scenarios, crime scene investigation, mugshots and fingerprints and a day-in-the-life station tour.
“The Blaze & Blue career camp offers young women a unique, insider view of what they can experience while working in police and fire services," explained Ann Arbor Police Officer Treca Zdybek. “The activities are crafted to give real-life, hands-on exposure to the daily tasks of police officers and firefighters." Currently, Zdybek notes, women make up only 12% of sworn officers and 3% of police leadership in the United States. “We feel like Blaze & Blue is a perfect chance to show young women how they can make a difference in both fields."
“This camp is a great opportunity for young women to experience careers that aren't often considered. Both of these careers thrive from diversity because every individual has a different strength to offer. We will give these women a glimpse of what it's like to have the best job in the world," said Brittany Hoak, Ann Arbor firefighter/EMT.
The camp will conclude with a certificate presentation ceremony.
Register for Blaze & Blue Camp at https://url.a2gov.org/A2BlazeBlue24. Questions may be emailed to [email protected].
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