An interactive camp for young women and gender-diverse youth is coming to New Brunswick this summer.

Camp Courage New Brunswick will allow youth aged 15 to 19 to explore a career as a first responder.

The annual camp was established in January 2006 by Andréa Speranza, a firefighter in Halifax.

“She started the camp as a way to inform, educate and bring awareness to girls thinking about a career as a first responder,” said Leah Robichaud, a manager with the Saint John Fire Department.

Up until now, the annual camp has been held in the cities of Halifax and Calgary but has never taken place in New Brunswick.

The Saint John Fire Department decided to team up with the Saint John Police Force and Ambulance NB to offer a four-day version of the camp.

Participants will take part in hands-on exercises and training, coaching on preparing for fitness requirements, and hear from other females who have become first responders.

“The participants will have one full day with each of the different providers, so one day with the police, one day with the fire department, and one day with Ambulance New Brunswick,” said Robichaud.

Robichaud said this is an exciting opportunity for not only the youth who will be taking part but also for first responders in the province.

The hope is that this program will encourage more young women to consider a career as a firefighter, police officer or paramedic.

“All of us are having some recruitment issues in terms of getting more individuals interested in careers as first responders,” said Robichaud.

While the four-day camp is taking place in Saint John, it is open to young women and gender-diverse youth across New Brunswick.

Robichaud said she hopes the camp can become an annual event in New Brunswick and involve even more partners.

There are 12 to 15 seats available for this year’s camp, which runs from Aug. 28 to 31. Applications are being accepted until June 25.

You can find more details about Camp Courage, including how to apply, by clicking here.

Image: Submitted/City of Saint John