Fire Camps

Fire Camps: Inspired by Camp FFIT, Fueling the Future of the Fire Service

Camp FFIT (Female Firefighters in Training) is the flagship fire camp of Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO) and the driving force behind the organization’s creation. Developed by Ottawa Fire Services, Camp FFIT began as a grassroots recruitment initiative aimed at increasing the representation of young women and underrepresented groups in the fire service.

Since its launch, Camp FFIT has become the gold standard for fire camps across Ontario, sparking the development of similar programs in communities province-wide. These camps carry forward the original FFIT mission: to empower future firefighters through hands-on, inclusive, and inspiring training experiences.

What Is Camp FFIT?

Camp FFIT offers participants a first-hand look at the physical, mental, and emotional demands of a career in firefighting. Designed to build confidence and skills, the program introduces attendees to:

Physical fitness and teamwork
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)
Fire ground skills: hose control, search and rescue, ventilation, ladder use
Technical rescue techniques: extrication, rappelling, and knot-tying
Careers in communications/dispatch, fire prevention, and public education

A Model for Change: Camp FFIT's Lasting Legacy

Camp FFIT’s success in Ottawa quickly gained recognition, earning awards such as:

City Manager's Award of Excellence – the highest honour from the City of Ottawa
Mayor’s Agent of Change Commemorative Coin
Recognition by AMCTO as part of the Fire and Paramedic Services Diversity Program
A nomination for a Diversity Award

These accolades reflect the camp’s transformative impact—not only on participants but on the culture and inclusivity of fire services in Canada.

Fire Camps Across Ontario: Following in FFIT’s Footsteps

Inspired by the success of Camp FFIT, fire departments and community partners across Ontario have created their own fire camps with a shared mission: to recruit, educate, and uplift young people—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—into careers in the fire service.

These programs echo the FFIT format, offering:

Engaging, hands-on training experiences
Real-world exposure to firefighting careers
Strong mentorship and leadership opportunities
Community-building and skill development

Each new camp helps expand the Camp FFIT legacy, continuing to open doors for the next generation of firefighters.

Get Involved with the Camp Network

FSWO members have played a key role in supporting and launching fire camps across the province. We are proud to facilitate an informal network of fire camp planners who share resources, insights, and support to grow these life-changing programs.

To learn more about Ottawa’s Camp FFIT, contact: campffit@ottawa.ca
To get involved or start a fire camp in your community, reach out to: symposium@fswo.ca

Active Camps

Camp Molly - Vaughan 2025

October 16 - 19, 2025

Camp Molly provides the opportunity for these young women to meet and engage with strong female role models in their community and the entire 4-day camp experience is free. Our goal at Camp Molly remains the same; to show young females aged 15 to 18 years old that a career in the fire service is a viable and rewarding option.

Registration Opens: April 1^st 2025

Registration Closes: TBA
Camp Molly - Sioux Lookout 2025

May 22 - 25

Camp Molly provides the opportunity for these young women to meet and engage with strong female role models in their community and the entire 4-day camp experience is free. Our goal at Camp Molly remains the same; to show young females aged 15 to 18 years old that a career in the fire service is a viable and rewarding option.

Registration Opens: January 24, 2025

Registration Closes: TBA
Camp Molly - Wasaga Beach 2025

June 5-8, 2025

Camp Molly provides the opportunity for these young women to meet and engage with strong female role models in their community and the entire 4-day camp experience is free. Our goal at Camp Molly remains the same; to show young females aged 15 to 18 years old that a career in the fire service is a viable and rewarding option.

Registration Opens: January 24, 2025

Registration Closes: TBA
Camp Molly - Caledon 2025

June 19-22, 2025

Camp Molly provides the opportunity for these young women to meet and engage with strong female role models in their community and the entire 4-day camp experience is free. Our goal at Camp Molly remains the same; to show young females aged 15 to 18 years old that a career in the fire service is a viable and rewarding option.

Registration Opens: January 24, 2025

Registration Closes: TBA
Camp Molly - Markham 2025

July 10-13, 2025

Camp Molly provides the opportunity for these young women to meet and engage with strong female role models in their community and the entire 4-day camp experience is free. Our goal at Camp Molly remains the same; to show young females aged 15 to 18 years old that a career in the fire service is a viable and rewarding option.

Registration Opens: January 24, 2025

Registration Closes: TBA
Camp Molly - Durham Region 2025

July 24-27, 2025

Camp Molly provides the opportunity for these young women to meet and engage with strong female role models in their community and the entire 4-day camp experience is free. Our goal at Camp Molly remains the same; to show young females aged 15 to 18 years old that a career in the fire service is a viable and rewarding option.

Registration Opens: January 24, 2025

Registration Closes: TBA
Camp Molly - Clarence-Rockland 2025

August 14-17, 2025

Camp Molly provides the opportunity for these young women to meet and engage with strong female role models in their community and the entire 4-day camp experience is free. Our goal at Camp Molly remains the same; to show young females aged 15 to 18 years old that a career in the fire service is a viable and rewarding option.

Registration Opens: April 1^st 2025

Registration Closes: TBA
Camp Molly - Sudbury 2025

September 18-21, 2025

Camp Molly provides the opportunity for these young women to meet and engage with strong female role models in their community and the entire 4-day camp experience is free. Our goal at Camp Molly remains the same; to show young females aged 15 to 18 years old that a career in the fire service is a viable and rewarding option.

Registration Opens: April 1^st 2025

Registration Closes: TBA
Camp Molly - Lake Country 2025

October 2-5, 2025

Camp Molly provides the opportunity for these young women to meet and engage with strong female role models in their community and the entire 4-day camp experience is free. Our goal at Camp Molly remains the same; to show young females aged 15 to 18 years old that a career in the fire service is a viable and rewarding option.

Registration Opens: April 1^st 2025

Registration Closes: TBA
Camp FFIT - Kitchener 2025

June 24-27, 2025

The camp is open to young women 15 to 19 years old interested in learning more about a future career in the Fire Service. Kitchener Fire Camp FFIT provides participants with first-hand knowledge of the duties of a firefighter while developing emergency preparedness skills.

Virtual Information Night: March 18^th, 2025 at 7pm
Applications Open: March 18^th, 2025 at 9pm
Applications Close: April 18^th
Island Ignite 2025

TBA: Check back in early Spring!

Island Ignite - Young women will have a chance to get hands-on training and experience with firefighting at a special camp
Camp Inspire for Women and Gender-Diverse Individuals 2025

TBA: Check back in early Spring!

The City of Edmonton, Camp Inspire, provides women and gender-diverse individuals from communities of all backgrounds an introduction to the fire service in a safe, inclusive way
Miyowatisiwin Camp Inspire 2025

TBA

An opportunity for Indigenous Peoples of all backgrounds and genders to work alongside members of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, ask questions and meet others who are interested in the firefighting profession. This program is only open to individuals who self-identify as First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis, or Inuit peoples of all genders
Camp Courage - Halifax 2025

Application deadline: Feb 15 2025

The primary goal of our camp is to provide young women with insight into careers as first responders. We strive to offer comprehensive information, inspiration, education, and hands-on experiences that accurately depict the physical demands of these roles. Ultimately, we aim for participants to leave with a profound sense of empowerment and the confidence to pursue any career or dream they desire.
Camp Courage - Calgary 2025

Application deadline: March 21, 2025

The primary goal of our camp is to provide young women with insight into careers as first responders. We strive to offer comprehensive information, inspiration, education, and hands-on experiences that accurately depict the physical demands of these roles. Ultimately, we aim for participants to leave with a profound sense of empowerment and the confidence to pursue any career or dream they desire.
Belles & Ladders - Brockville 2025

July 2-4, 2025

This camp is open to young women between the ages of 15-18 years old and is free of charge for participants. Participants will have hands on training in skills they’d face as firefighters. The goals of this camp are to inspire young women to consider a career in the fire service but more importantly to be empowered, to have the confidence to believe they can achieve any goal they set their minds to.
CampFIRE Niagara

May 29-31, 2025

The Niagara Region Fire Chiefs are organizing a three-day event called Camp FIRE (Fueling, Inspiration, Resilience and Empowerment), designed to give female high school students hands on experience, mentorship and insight into a career in the fire service. This program not only introduces participants to the physical and technical aspects of firefighting but also encourages them to explore their potential, build confidence and see themselves in roles traditionally underrepresented by women.