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Out-of-state founder brings Girls Future Firefighter Camp to Newington in July
Summary
Chief Shelley Carter described a free, hands-on Girls Future Firefighter Camp for ages 13–18 to be held July 20–24 in Newington; the program includes CPR certification, hose evolution, extrication, arson-investigation exercises and a graduation ceremony.
Chief Shelley Carter, founder of Girls Future Firefighter Camp, told the Newington Town Council on June 9 that the weeklong camp will run July 20–24 at the Newington Fire Department and is designed to introduce young women to careers in fire, EMS, police and emergency management.
Carter said the camp is practical and rigorous: participants will don turnout gear, practice hose advancement, extrication and ladder operations, learn CPR/AED (certification provided), receive training in arson-investigation techniques and courtroom/press interactions, and complete emergency-management exercises. She said about 25 girls are already signed up and that participants have traveled from other states in previous years. Carter emphasized the program is free to students; she and her husband underwrite much of the cost and the camp solicits donations and grants.
Councilors asked about the selection process (Carter said mostly first-come, first-served with age flexibility) and whether the department’s training tower would be used (yes). They praised the program and offered municipal support and publicity. Carter invited residents to visit the camp and to donate or volunteer.
"This is not a fufu camp — girls actually put on our gear," Carter said. "They graduate with a ceremony with friends and family."
Councilors recommended that staff help circulate the flyer and coordinate with the high school and Parks & Recreation to support outreach.
