x
Breaking News
More () »

Charlotte Fire welcomes back high school campers for Camp Ignite

Camp Ignite is a FREE hands-on resident camp that focuses on the development of teamwork, self-confidence, and leadership skills in young women.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dana Matthews goes to Stewart W. Cramer High School, but this week she is getting one step closer to her dream career of firefighting through the Charlotte Fire Department Camp Ignite.

 "Men think women can't do a man's job but if you show them you can do their job you can do anything," Matthews said.

Camp Ignite is a place that's training high school girls on how to be firefighters and igniting confidence in them they didn't think possible.

For an entire week, the girls live together and train together.

Click here to sign up for the daily Wake Up Charlotte newsletter

Vanessa Roy with Charlotte Fire said the girls learn search and rescue techniques, hose-line advancement, rappelling, ladders and more.

 "So they are going to be on the hose line, they are going to be marching forward and backward, spraying water and trying to control and hose line that's kind of the fun obstacle," Roy said.

The girls are following in the footsteps of current firefighters. No matter how high that journey takes them.

Some girls are new to the camp. Others have been back before.

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku and Amazon Fire TV, just download the free app.

Roy said a few have even gone on to become firefighters. 

This is is the camp's first time at full capacity since the pandemic.

"It's really just an overall experience to get them out of their comfort zone," Roy said.

Contact Ruby Durham at rdurham@wcnc.com and follow her on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

For Camp Ignite updates:

MORE ON WCNC

Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.   
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts   

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out