Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue highlights inaugural 'Girls on Fire' youth leadership camp

Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue presented the results of its inaugural "Girls on Fire" leadership camp, telling the City Council the weeklong program introduced young women to firefighting tasks and leadership skills while building confidence and recruiting interest in future public-safety careers.

Nikki Macrossi, executive assistant to the fire chief, said the camp targeted girls ages 13 to 17 and combined hands-on firefighting drills with medical training and team-building exercises. "Through hands-on experiences in firefighting, teamwork, and personal development, the camp introduces participants to careers in the fire service while building life skills they'll carry with them far beyond the station," Macrossi told council members.

Several campers described the experience on the council dais. A camper identified as Lexi said she had been surprised at the camaraderie and the scope of training: "We learned some stuff about CPR. We even had a day where we got to go to the recreational center pool and learn some water saves," she said. Jayla White told council members the camp helped her climb a 40-foot ladder despite a fear of heights and learn that "no matter what your gender is, you're able to accomplish so much." Peyton Norton said the program taught "resilience, bravery, self-discipline, trust." A parent, Jamie Crowley, said his daughter told him after the first day it was "the best day of my life," and that the camp helped his daughter realize "I'm stronger than I thought I was."

Why it matters: The program is designed to create a pathway for young women to explore firefighting and emergency-response careers, including further participation in the department's explorer program. Fire Rescue and city staff said some campers have expressed interest in returning as squad leaders and joining other youth public-safety programs.

Program details and next steps: The presentation listed staff involvement from Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue including administrative chief Sandy Ledewski, Captain Monica Marzillo, Lieutenants Sloan Grimsley and Kelsey Gitler, and medics Christina Krakowski and Julie Deli. Officials said they plan to run the camp again next year and to encourage camper participation in follow-on programs.

Ending: Council members praised the camp during remarks later in the meeting; some said they would like to see similar programs continue to expand and to recruit participants into career pathways.