City of South Fulton Fire and Rescue Prides Itself in Its Camp E.M.B.E.R.S. Program for Girls

City of South Fulton Fire and Rescue Looks to Encourage Girls to Become Firefighters

The City of South Fulton's Fire and Rescue department embarked on a pioneering initiative in 2022, a camp to encourage girls to learn and aspire to become firefighters. Camp E.M.B.E.R.S (Every Member Brings Excellence, Resilience and Significance) was born out of the recognition that women firefighters were underrepresented in Fire Rescue. Since its inception, the camp has inspired young women who never considered firefighting as a career path. It is with this purpose that the camp's current director, Firefighter/Inspector Shameka Rhodes, is looking to welcome a new class of girls, 14-18 years old, in June.

Igniting the imagination of unsuspecting girls toward making firefighting a career is not the only catalyst for Camp E.M.B.E.R.S. Fundamentally, the need for more women firefighters is not just aspirational, it is practical. A Fire Rescue team empowered by women firefighters is an opportunity to cater to the community's specific needs. City of South Fulton firefighters are sent on some of the most challenging calls and some of those calls benefit from having a woman present. Such was the case when Firefighter/Inspector Shameka Rhodes answered a call from a woman who had been a victim of assault. In distress, the woman specifically requested to communicate with a woman firefighter. Having the flexibility to offer those options to the community is top of mind for the Fire Rescue team and generating talent from a program such as Camp E.M.B.E.R.S. ensures these options are continuously available in the future.

"There is a level of empathy and personal connection that women in distressed situations seek out from another woman," said Firefighter/Inspector Shameka Rhodes. "We are proud to be able to provide that option to them."

Structurally, Camp E.M.B.E.R.S. is a 5-day program that incorporates leadership skills, communication skills as well as teamwork skills in its program curriculum. Participants of Camp E.M.B.E.R.S. also learn the fundamentals of how fires occur and how to stop them. Previous participants of Camp E.M.B.E.R.S. are invited back to function as camp leaders for newer classes. Camp leaders oversee the day-to-day function of camp ensuring that participants are being safe and remain engaged. Throughout the camp's 5-day program, leaders from the Fire Rescue department set up walk and talks as well as informational presentations to educate participants on what working as a firefighter entails.

"Giving back to the community is an essential part of the work we do here at Fire Rescue," said Fire Chief Chad Jones. "One of the most profound ways we can give back is to share our expertise and experiences with young people who could one day be part of the Fire Rescue team."

Uncovering young talent is a commitment based on dedicated community outreach. Firefighter/Inspector Shameka Rhodes often starts by building relationships with four City of South Fulton high schools; Langston Hughes High, Westlake High, Creekside High and Arlington Christian School. Firefighter/Inspector Rhodes communicates the camp application process with school guidance counselors who, in turn, advise students and parents of the opportunity. The next step is to visit the schools, set up an informational table where students can ask questions and ultimately apply to the program. Setting up the informational table and providing applications is only a part of the school visits. The other part, according to Firefighter/Inspector Rhodes, is recognizing the girls who are hesitant to approach and encouraging them to consider. Many high school girls have not considered career paths that are outside of the norm. Exposure to information and the possibility of a career as a firefighter is part of the work Camp E.M.B.E.R.S. does to stir their imagination.

Once applicants submit their applications, 20 slots are chosen. At the end of the 5-day program, participants are awarded certificates, trophies and medallions. In addition to those tangible accolades, participants also graduate with a better sense of their own power and potential. This newfound self-esteem is also grounded in knowing they now have access, on a first name basis, with some of the most decorated and respected firefighters in the city.

"At the end of the day, I am hoping these young women are able to come out of their shells," says Firefighter/Inspector Rhodes. "I hope they are surprised by the abilities they may not have known they had. If Camp E.M.B.E.R.S. does that, we believe we have succeeded the young women of South Fulton."

Applications for the new class of Camp E.M.B.E.R.S. opens March 17 and ends on April 18. The June class will be held from June 9-June 13.

To apply, applicants are encouraged to contact Inspector Rhodes at: [email protected]