Camp Molly Zorra June 1-4
After a successful 2022, Camp Molly will grow from two (2) camps to eight (8) in 2023 with Zorra Fire hosting in June.
The four-day camp will give approximately 30 young women the opportunity to get an inside look at a career in fire and emergency services. Participants will rotate through a series of activities based on Firefighter Level 1 training, such as Fire Investigation & Fire Dynamics, Medical Scenarios, Auto Extrication, Firefighter Survival & Forcible Entry, and more. They will be challenged, empowered, and change the way they see themselves as young women over the 4 days.
With February 1st marking the start of Black History Month, it is important to recognize Molly Williams as the namesake for the camp. Molly was enslaved in 1818 when she became the first female firefighter with Oceanus Engine Co. 11, in Lower Manhattan. After all the male firefighters became sick with influenza, Molly answered the call to duty and was recognized for her strength and resiliency. Her incredible story has been memorialized into the children’s novel, “Molly, By Golly!” and over 200 years later, Molly Williams continues to be known as a trailblazer in the field of firefighting. Camp Molly aims to carry on her legacy by inspiring other firewomen.
Camp Molly Zorra will be primarily hosted from the Thamesford Station with support of the surrounding Oxford County Fire Departments, in addition to instructors from all over the province. Applications for this year’s camp will open March 1. Applicants must be aged 15 to 18, identify as female, and attend a local school. Those interested and eligible are encouraged to stay tuned to Zorra.ca/Camp-Molly for more information. Be sure to follow Camp Molly on Instagram and use the hashtag #CampMollyZorra to join the conversation.
“Camp Molly is about providing the young women in our community a mentorship opportunity through the fire services where they can engage hands-on in all facets of the career,” said Zorra Fire Chief Deanna Kirwin. “Providing a positive experience and examples of other empowered females will help these young women develop self-confidence, have an opportunity to explore their skills in our community, and grow to understand that a career in emergency services could be for them. Having had the opportunity to participate in both Camps last year in Quinte and Vaughan, I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to host one of our own!”
Click here to read the full news release with contact information.