AKWESASNE TEEN GRADUATES FROM PHOENIX FIRECAMP

Lindsay Martin, 16, of Akwesasne, was one of 22 girls from the U.S. and Canada who graduated from the 6th annual Phoenix Firecamp, a weeklong overnight camp in Utica, NY that is designed to introduce teenage girls to the opportunities for women in fire and emergency services. She is the daughter of Vanessa Martin and a student at Massena High School.

The nationally recognized program, conducted by Fire Service Women of New York State, Inc. (FSWNYS), was the first of its kind in the Northeastern US and remains one of the few nationwide. 109 girls, ages 14-19, have successfully completed Phoenix Firecamp since its inception in 2007. Camp Director Lt. Anna Schermerhorn-Collins of the FDNY, who conducts an annual survey of graduates, said, “we are gratified that the majority are involved with their hometown volunteer fire departments, several aspire to firefighting as a career and others are enrolled in undergraduate studies for emergency services. They say that camp was the inspiration and motivation.

Lindsay said “I am now very motivated and interested to get in the firefighting service. My favorite class was ladders because I was unsure about them and after I did them I realized it’s not so bad. The instructors and team leaders were amazing…so was the food…camp changed my life forever. Niawen…thank you in Mohawk.”

“We use fire ground and classroom training for more than teaching basic skills,” said Schermerhorn-Collins. “The curriculum is also designed to develop confidence, enhance leadership skills, foster friendly competition, nurture community spirit, broaden problem solving abilities, encourage team building and promote inclusiveness.” The hands-on exercises include: aerial ladder climb, basic engine and ladder operations, forcible entry, search and rescue, auto extrication and disentanglement, SCBA usage, water rescue, basic ropes and knots and a propane drill. Classroom learning focuses on nutrition, fitness, fire safety, the chemistry of fire, SCBA orientation and differentiating between engines and ladders. At the conclusion of the week, the campers are CPR certified. The curriculum is based upon International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) guidelines.

“The schedule is rigorous,” said Schermerhorn-Collins,” but there is a lot of time built in to socialize, relax, have fun and make new friends.” Camper housing is at the Utica Fire Academy, a former firehouse, so the girls have a genuine firehouse living experience. The Phoenix instructors and team leaders are all female members of career and volunteer fire departments in New York and other states who volunteer their time and pay their own expenses for the week. “This is a labor of love for us,” she said.

The City of Utica Fire Department and the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department partner with FSWNYS in producing the camp. Utica FD provides camper housing, logistical support, equipment, EMS coverage and the use of its apparatus, firehouses and the training grounds. Westmoreland VFD donates transportation, hosts two evening social events, secures donations from area businesses and coordinates the participation of other Mohawk Valley volunteer fire departments and their auxiliaries.

Phoenix Firecamp is free, except for a non-refundable $75 application fee. A maximum of 24 campers are accepted annually from a field of candidates and no prior experience with the fire service is required. Only those who have not attended previously may apply. Applicants must be in good health, have medical insurance and come equipped with a pair of steel-toed shoes. Those 17 years old or younger must be transported to and from camp by a responsible adult. Phoenix 2013 will be held July 21-26; the deadline for applications is May 1, 2013. Photos and information about Phoenix Firecamp are at: http://www.fswnys.org. The 2013 applications and specifics will be posted after January 1, 2013.