HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – A program that helps young women discover and develop their leadership abilities is getting ready to return in Harrisonburg, and space is still available for those looking for a unique opportunity this summer.

The sixth annual Camp L.I.T. will take place this year from June 16th to June 20th. The program, hosted by the Harrisonburg Fire Department (HFD) and Rockingham County Fire and Rescue (RCFR), focuses on the themes of Leadership, Integrity and Trailblazer (L.I.T.) and provides insight into the life of a first responder so more young women can
consider public safety as a future career option. The free program is open to those 14 to 17 years old.

Camp L.I.T. participants at a past event.
Camp L.I.T. participants at a past event. 

The five-day camp includes activities such as physical training, fire simulations and hands-on experience. Instructors cover a variety of topics throughout the week, such as use of fire gear, fire prevention, CPR certification,
search and rescue, mental health awareness, fire behavior and more.

Despite the focus on fire and rescue activities, Camp L.I.T. is about much more than public safety for participants and their mentors in the program.

“This program is an opportunity to foster personal and professional development in our youth today,” Camp L.I.T. administrator Lt. Erin Stehle, HFD’s public education officer, said in a press release. “It allows participants to focus on empowerment, team building, communication and self-confidence, which will help them succeed in all aspects of their lives.”

Campers are exposed to a variety of agencies, including the Harrisonburg Police Department, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communication Center and Rockingham County Sherrif’s Office, in addition to HFD and RCFR. More than a dozen former campers have gone on to pursue more training and education in public safety careers in past years.

There are more than 1 million career and volunteer firefighters in the United States, but only 9 percent are women, according to the National Fire Protection Association. One of the goals of Camp L.I.T. is to expose women to careers that have been notoriously male dominated in hopes of recruiting passionate, driven, empowered young women into the fire service.

“In order to best serve our community and all who live here, it’s vital to have a public safety workforce that represents all who call Harrisonburg home,” HFD Chief Matthew Tobia said. “The fire and rescue service is a career that all people should feel they have the ability to participate in and be a leader in, and Camp L.I.T. is an amazing way to open those doors to some who may be called to public service.”

Camp L.I.T. is open to participants in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and any surrounding areas. Applications and more information can be found at www.harrisonburgva.gov/fire. Applications close May 9.