Camp Phoenix sparks confidence in future firefighters

Camp Phoenix participants wasted no time getting into action on the opening day of the week-long camp, learning hose rolls, hose deployments and hose stream operations while taking part in friendly competitions. Campers also toured the Office of the Fire Marshal's Mobile Live Fire Training Unit, learned about bunker gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and received a firsthand introduction to the firefighting skills they would build on throughout the week.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

A week of learning, teamwork and personal growth came to a close Sunday as Camp Phoenix celebrated its fifth anniversary, sending another group of young women home with new skills, greater confidence and a firsthand look at careers in the fire service.

The free, immersive camp, held July 22-26 and wrapping up at the Cainsville Fire Hall, brought together young women aged 14 to 18 for hands-on firefighting experiences led by professional firefighters from across the Brantford Fire Department.

This year's camp marked an important milestone for the program, which has now graduated 80 participants since its launch in 2022.

"Camp Phoenix continues to inspire young women to consider careers in the fire service while building confidence, leadership, and lifelong connections," Fire Chief Darren Watson said when the application process opened up earlier this year. "Reaching our fifth year is a proud milestone, with 80 graduates already part of the Camp Phoenix alumni network, and we're excited to welcome a new group of campers in 2026."

Throughout the week, campers learned practical firefighting skills while developing leadership, teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

For Alpha Platoon camper Sadie M., the biggest takeaway was personal growth.

"The biggest skill I've learned at camp is the help with confidence and ability to face fears even when I am not comfortable with it," she said.

Ali E. of Delta Platoon said search and rescue training challenged her in new ways.

"A skill I learned is search and rescue. I had to learn to trust myself and to communicate really well with my partner, in a situation a lot of people would panic in!" she said.

For Camp Phoenix co-founder and firefighter Lisa Herbert, watching campers overcome challenges remains one of the program's greatest rewards.

"Many of the girls this year came with a high level of competitiveness balanced with comradery, which built amazing platoons!" Herbert said. "Someone experienced claustrophobia when donning a face mask and going on air for the first time, but she pushed through and hasn't had a moment like that again this week! This camp really boosts their confidence in what they are capable of. It's not about being perfect or not being scared... it's about pushing past the fear into something new!"

Campers experienced a wide range of realistic emergency scenarios throughout the week, including search and rescue, defensive firefighting, auto extrication and self-rescue techniques.

Herbert said one of the highlights of this year's program was the addition of the Office of the Fire Marshal's Mobile Live Fire Training Unit.

"The biggest spectacle this year was having the Office of the Fire Marshal's Mobile Live Fire Training Unit on site. The girls got to complete 3 days of search & rescue tactics along with defensive firefighting skills... something we've never been able to offer before," she said. "We are so grateful to the OFM and the operators that came to spend the week with us!"

The camp also featured investigators from the Office of the Fire Marshal for a controlled burn exercise, while 1200 Degrees assisted with auto extrication training. Campers also forced doors open, learned self-rescue techniques, navigated a maze while blind, practised low-profile manoeuvres and learned wire entanglement techniques.

The week concluded with the PhoenixFit Challenge, live demonstrations for family and friends, lunch and a formal graduation ceremony.

"It's the coming together of so many skills they learned throughout the week and a chance to show off those skills to their loved ones," Herbert said. "Then we cap it all off with lunch and a formal graduation service. It really is the icing on the cake at the end of an incredible week, and the campers never want to go home after that!"

The impact of Camp Phoenix is already extending beyond the camp itself.

One graduate from the inaugural 2022 camp was hired by Milton Fire last year after returning to Camp Phoenix in several leadership roles. Alicia G. served as a Leader in Training in 2023, co-emceed the camp in 2024 alongside fellow alumna Bethany R., and returned again this year as an assistant instructor.

Herbert said many former campers have also enrolled in pre-service firefighter and fire technology post-secondary programs.

This year’s Camp Phoenix was organized by firefighters Ken Sibbick, Jenna Lawrence, DJ Linkert, Alicia Poullos, Bob Mercer and Herbert, with support from numerous firefighters and instructors who volunteered their time throughout the week.