Spark Confidence: Camp Ignite, the All-Female Skills Camp Sponsored by Cary, Apex, and Morrisville Fire Departments, Returns for Third Summer

• Camp Ignite is a week-long camp that combines hands-on training with mentorship to help female teens understand what it takes to serve in the fire service.
• Along the way, teens build confidence, resilience, and leadership while forming meaningful connections with peers.
• Camp Ignite runs July 27-31, is free to attend, and is open to teen girls aged 14-18 in North Carolina.

Cary, NC - Back for its third summer, Camp Ignite is empowering the next generation of young women by offering a unique, behind-the-scenes look at a career in firefighting. This week-long camp combines hands-on training with mentorship to help participants understand what it takes to serve in the fire service.

Led by female firefighters from Cary, Apex, and Morrisville Fire Departments, campers will take part in live demonstrations, team challenges, and skill-building activities, such as hose handling, first aid, and ladder operations. Along the way, they build confidence, resilience, and leadership while forming meaningful connections with mentors and peers in a supportive environment.

More than just a summer camp, Camp Ignite plays an important role in breaking down barriers by connecting young women with role models who are actively serving in the field. By the end of the program, many leave with a stronger sense of purpose and the confidence to pursue a career in firefighting. Camp Ignite has already made a meaningful impact. A past participant was later hired by the Apex Fire Department, and four participants have gone on to join local junior firefighter programs following their Camp Ignite experience.

"Camp Ignite showed me that I can do hard things. It helped me build confidence, strengthen my leadership skills and make lifelong friends," said Katie Nelson, Camp Ignite participant.

This year's camp runs July 27-31, at fire stations across Cary, Apex, and Morrisville. Camp Ignite is free to attend and open to teen girls aged 14-18 in North Carolina. Applications will be accepted now through May 8 at 5 p.m. To learn more and apply, visit carync.gov/campignite.

Media note: In support of your ongoing coverage, multimedia from last year's event is available by request to Cary 311.

Primary Contacts

If you have specific questions, visit carync.gov/311, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, (919) 469-4000 outside Town limits, or email [email protected].

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