Camp Courage shows teens what it’s really like to be a first responder

Applications are now open for Camp Courage, offering a free chance for kids to see what it's really like to be a first responder.

Applications are now open for Camp Courage, and the experience has already made a lasting impression on dozens of youngsters.

It’s not your typical summer camp.

Camp Courage Calgary is a week-long, free camp for young women and gender-diverse youth ages 15 to 18 who are interested in pursuing a career as a first responder.

“Most teenagers don’t get to try these. Like, go put out a fire or go rappel off a building,” said former camper Morgann Baron.

Their camp leaders are police officers, firefighters and paramedics.

“There’s not a lot of careers out there that you can say you can truly save someone’s life. This is the best way to show them they can do it as well,” said Naomi Nania with Alberta Health Services.

“To see women in those roles and super successful is very empowering and inspirational,” said former camper Kennedy Brown.

The goal is to encourage more young women to consider jobs often filled by men.

“I was the only female on my team for quite some time, and there are people out there, young girls out there that are brave; they have the courage,” said Const. Beckie Squires with the Calgary Police Service.

The Calgary camp started in 2022, providing two dozen young women seven days of hands-on experience.

“We were all strangers the first day, and by the end of it we were best friends, and everything wasn’t a competition; it was a shared battle to overcome every challenge we faced,” said former camper Ashlyn Grant.

This summer will be the fourth year.

Some former campers have already started careers as first responders; others expect to follow that path.

“I know for sure that I will end up being a first responder,” Brown said.

No matter the job they end up choosing, the campers say they learned lessons and made friends that will stick with them.

“You don’t have to go through difficult things by yourself.” Baron said.

The camp takes place in July.

Camp Courage is funded by the Calgary Police Youth Foundation and the Bridges to Brighter Futures Program.