Vision

To build confidence, courage, and leadership in young women by introducing them to the fire service and empowering them to realize their full potential—on and off the fireground.

Mission

Girls on Fire is dedicated to inspiring and preparing the next generation of female leaders through immersive, hands-on experiences in firefighting, teamwork, and public service. Our mission is to cultivate resilience, build real-world skills, and maintain a supportive, women-led environment that empowers young women to lead with strength, integrity, and purpose.

Values

1. Empowerment
We don’t just tell girls they’re strong—we show them. Through challenge, mentorship, and fireground grit, they rise.

2. Leadership
 Led by women. Built for leaders. We create a space where girls learn to own their voice, lead with heart, and never wait for permission. 

3. Inclusion
 Every girl belongs here. We celebrate differences, uplift every background, and make room at the table—and the firetruck—for all.

4. Service
 We lead by serving. Whether it's the community or each other, our actions reflect the honor, heart, and humility of the fire service.

5. Courage & Resilience 
 The heart of every firefighter—and every leader. We encourage girls to step into fear, speak up, and stand tall in who they are.

6. Resilience
 Fall. Rise. Repeat. We teach girls how to face heat—literal and figurative—and come out stronger every time.

7. Women Leading the Way

Every drill, every decision, every detail—guided by women. We lead with strength, compassion, and purpose, knowing that visibility creates possibility for the next generation.

8. Teamwork
 No one does this alone. We train together, lift each other, and build bonds that last far beyond camp.

✔ Held every summer
 A dynamic, week-long program for young women ages 13–17.

✔ Completely free to attend
 Thanks to community support, there’s no cost for campers.

✔ Led by women in the fire service
 Participants learn directly from strong female role models.

✔ Hands-on fire and rescue training
 From bunker gear to teamwork drills, this is the real deal!

✔ Leadership and life skill development
 Girls build confidence, courage, and communication that lasts.

✔ Our next camp will be summer 2026 and application will open in February of that year. 

OUR HISTORY

Girls on Fire was born from a clear vision: to create a place where young women could see themselves in the fire service—and feel a sense of belonging, strength, and purpose. For years, the fire service has been underrepresented by women. This program was designed to change that narrative by starting at the root: education, exposure, and encouragement for the next generation.

In 2025, that vision became a reality. Hosted by Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue, the inaugural Girls on Fire Camp welcomed a diverse group of girls ages 13–17 for a week of immersive, hands-on training. But it was about more than turnout gear and hose lines—it was about leadership, sisterhood, confidence, and discovering what you're capable of when someone believes in you, and you start believing in yourself.

Planning the first camp took months of coordination, creativity, and commitment. Fire personnel and city leaders, came together to support a groundbreaking idea: a free, weeklong experience, led entirely by women, that gave young girls the opportunity to feel strong, seen, and supported in a male-dominated field. Campers were introduced to search-and-rescue, hose operations, ladder climbs, physical training, and medical skills—paired with leadership workshops, team challenges, and deep moments of reflection and bonding.

As the week unfolded, something powerful happened. Girls who were quiet on day one found their voice by day five. They high-fived teammates, pushed through fear, and celebrated small victories that felt enormous. For many, it was the first time they’d seen women in turnout gear—or imagined themselves in it.

The impact of that first camp went far beyond the fireground. Parents wrote in with stories of confidence and pride. Campers asked how to join the fire service. Several girls have already expressed interest in returning as junior leaders in future years. The foundation was set—not just for a program, but for a movement.

What began in 2025 is now a lasting part of Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue’s commitment to building equity, leadership, and future-ready talent in the fire service. And as Girls on Fire continues to grow, it remains rooted in the same purpose that lit the first spark: to build a future where strong, capable women lead with courage—wherever life takes them.

GIRLS ON FIRE SKILLS AND TRAINING OFFERED

• Leadership Development Curriculum
• Team-Building Skills
• Ladders Climbing
• Hose Handling & Water Flow Control
• Vehicle Extrication Techniques & Tool Use 
• Search and Rescue Operations
• SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Equipment)
• Connecting Hydrants
• EMS Skills & First Aid Training
• Forcible Entry Scenarios
• GPAT Course  

Leadership is at the heart of everything we do at Girls on Fire. We believe leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about courage, character, and stepping up when it counts. From the moment camp begins, girls are encouraged to take initiative, support one another, and develop the confidence to lead both on and off the training ground. Our goal is to create a clear path for growth, offering returning participants the opportunity to step into leadership roles through our Junior Leader program designed to build the next generation of strong, capable women in fire and public service.

Junior Leader Requirements

To be eligible to return as a Junior Leader at Girls on Fire, applicants must:

✔ Have previously completed the Girls on Fire camp as a participant

✔ Be at least at least 14 years old at the time of camp

✔ Be currently enrolled in a Fire Academy, Fire Explorer Program, or similar fire/emergency services training program in their area

✔ Demonstrate strong communication, responsibility, and teamwork skills

✔ Commit to participating fully in camp week, including pre-camp leadership orientation

1. Who can participate?

Girls ages 13–17 are eligible to attend the camp.

2. How do I register?

Registration for Summer 2026 will open in February through the "Camp Gardens" section of our Recreation Department website.

3. Is there a fee to attend?

A $50 deposit is required to reserve your child’s spot. This deposit will be fully refunded upon completion of the camp.

4. Where is the camp located?

Camp takes place at 1100 Richard Road. A detailed map and additional information will be included in your welcome email.

5. What are the camp dates and hours?

Camp typically runs for one week during the summer, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Exact dates will be shared during registration.

6. What should campers wear and bring each day?

Campers will receive a detailed packing list before camp begins. Generally, they should wear athletic clothing, closed-toe shoes, and bring a water bottle, sunscreen, lunch, and a towel for swim days.

7. Is lunch provided?

Campers must bring their own lunch each day. Snacks and water will be provided.

8. What types of activities will campers do?

Campers will engage in hands-on firefighting skills, team-building exercises, leadership challenges, physical fitness, and confidence-building activities, including hose handling, obstacle courses, CPR training, and more.

9. How many spots are available?

Camp is limited to 25 participants and spots are filled on a first come, first served basis. Early registration is strongly encouraged. A waitlist will be available once all spots are filled.