The registration deadline for a high school girls’ firefighting camp in Creston has been extended to June 15.
The Kootenay Ignite Mentorship Society’s annual camp, running July 11 to 13, empowers young women to explore the profession of firefighting in a unique team environment. Participants are mentored through a wide variety of firefighting and rescue skill stations by all women firefighters.
“KIMS [Kootenay Ignite Mentorship Society] was established to bring out unique opportunities for young women to find their passion, to challenge themselves, to inspire, and to be inspired,” Julie Winter, director on the KIMS board and lieutenant at Passmore Fire Department, told the Valley Voice. “We will continue to bring together powerful females who are already embedded in the career to encourage and mentor these young campers, who come eager and ready to learn.”
Winter has served as a mentor and instructor for two years. Women make up only four per cent of career firefighters, and she hopes the camp will encourage girls to join the service.
“When I first joined, I was one of two women on the Sparwood Fire Department,” said Winter. “The guys were wonderful, but it’s nice to have the camaraderie of other women.”
Participants are split into groups, each with a mentor to guide them to stations and help with gear. Most have not been exposed to firefighting, said Winter, so mentors ensure each participant is dressed properly. Both the mentors and instructors share their valuable experiences as women firefighters, and support the girls to challenge themselves and learn new skills.
“The instructors get as much out of it as the girls do,” said Winter. “Plus: building those strong female relationships is awesome, too.”
KIMS began as Camp Ignite – Kootenay Division in 2023, started by Creston’s assistant fire chief Laura Dodman, who was inspired by Camp Ignite Vancouver. After two successful years, it evolved into KIMS and became a non-profit society.
Ten girls attended in 2023, and 12 in 2024, from the ages of 15 to 18. Winter said they are hoping for 18 this year, but can accommodate more if the interest is there. Food and accommodation are provided.
“I can attest to what a remarkable weekend it is,” she said. “We had a girl that became emotional putting on the SCBA [self-contained breathing apparatus]. But by Sunday, I was running the live fire simulator and she was wearing the SCBA, crawling around in a smoky environment, trying to find the seed of the fire. She cried tears of happiness because she was so proud of herself for overcoming her fear.”
KIMS fundraises every year for camp costs. Passmore Social Club kindly sponsored a camper, and three bursaries are given out at the end of the weekend, thanks to Coast Ropes, Associated Fire Safety Group, and Brogan Safety.
To sign-up, make a donation, or get more information, visit kootenayignite.ca, or email kootenayignite@gmail.com.
