Teenage girls across the New England are getting ready to set the region on fire, or at least, learn how to manage the flame, with the Girls on Fire camp.
Coming to Tamworth on Monday, May 12, and Armidale, May 13, the camps promise adventure, skill-building, and lasting memories.
“Our camps focus on giving young people the skills they need to stay prepared and resilient during natural disasters while learning what it is like to work and volunteer in fire and emergency services.” said Rebekah Lambert, Business Operations Manager.
“It is a hands-on emergency services and resilience program designed to empower young people—especially girls and gender-diverse teens—by building skills in firefighting, rescue, first aid, and disaster preparedness.”
Targeted to girls aged 14 to 19, the programs aim to encourage more females to consider life and a career after school that doesn’t have to mean moving away to get a meaningful, well-paying career.
“Participants gain practical, real-world skills in emergency response and personal safety, including CPR, fire extinguisher use, and search and rescue techniques. Beyond the skills, they build confidence, leadership abilities, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of how they can contribute to and protect their communities. Armidale even gets to experience what it is like to do a real-life motor vehicle accident extraction.”
Here’s how Girls on Fire is making a difference:
1. Encouraging Disaster Preparedness: The fire camps focus on teaching teens the importance of disaster preparedness. By learning about the risks their communities face and how to respond effectively, girls gain valuable skills that can help them stay safe in emergencies, including creating a fire plan for their home, and tips for staying safe in floods, bushfires, and accidents.
2. Exploring After-School Options: Teens have the chance to find out what a career in emergency services is like and explore volunteering opportunities. This opens doors to meaningful, community-connected work without having to leave the family and towns they love to earn, learn, or contribute.
3. Building a Sense of Purpose and Community: Ther fire camps give teens a chance to connect with each other and feel part of something bigger. They develop a deeper sense of belonging and understand how they can make a difference in their community. And it provides a great networking opportunity to meet local community leaders across culture, vocation, and more.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to try out exciting activities not usually available to teens, guided by experienced emergency services professionals. Whether you’re interested in a future career in the field or just want to challenge yourself, it’s a safe and supportive environment to grow, connect, and be inspired.” said Rebekah.
“This isn’t just about fighting fires—it’s about building strength, resilience, and community. Every participant walks away with valuable life skills, new friendships, and a stronger sense of who they are and what they’re capable of.”
“The girls go home with the ability to do a fire plan for the home, and with an understanding of what to do in an emergency. It is a great way of introducing young people in country areas to meaningful careers and community service that doesn’t mean having to leave for the city.”
Camp details
Tamworth: 9am to 3pm, Monday 12th May 2025 Tamworth SES Unit 23 Lockheed St
Armidale: 9am to 3pm, Tuesday 12th May 2025 FRNSW Training Centre 2-16 Mann St Register via: https://events.girlsonfire.org.au/events
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