Eugene (KMTR) - Fifteen future firefighters are getting some hands on experience this week at the 2nd annual Young Women's Fire Camp. The participants are mostly high school students, learning from members of Eugene and Springfield's Fire & EMS departments.
Wednesday, campers worked on aerial ladder climbing, making their way up six stories on an engine ladder. Next up, was rope repelling down a three story drop. Participants say the camp is a unique experience, not offered in many other cities.
Organizers say even if they don't go into a career in firefighting, campers are learning a lot about leadership, team skills, and hopefully gaining some confidence along the way.
Camp reps say fire departments across the U.S. have a long history of being predominantly white male. This event is part of ongoing efforts to get others to think about fire or emergency medical services as a career path.
