Camp Courage gives aspiring first responders hands-on look at emergency services

Twenty-four young women and gender-diverse youth are getting a firsthand look at life as a first responder this week through Camp Courage in Calgary.

Twenty-four young women and gender-diverse youth are getting a firsthand look at life as a first responder this week through Camp Courage in Calgary. The week-long program introduces participants aged 15 to 18 to careers in policing, firefighting and emergency medical services while helping build leadership skills and confidence in high-pressure situations. “They’re doing live scenarios about traumatic bleeding, about pregnancy, about complications that can happen through the body and what the body does and how we as paramedics can truly fix that,” said Camp Courage spokesperson Naomi Nania.

Originally launched in Halifax, Camp Courage is now in its fifth year in Calgary. The immersive program pairs participants with mentors and gives them hands-on experience alongside first responders. Nania said the camp also helps break down barriers for young women interested in emergency services careers.

“Especially for EMS, I think it’s really important to show young girls what we do and that we’re all wearing the same uniforms,” she said. “We’re all expected to do the same jobs (and) have the same education, and it’s the same thing when it comes to police and fire.” The selection process is competitive—about 90 people applied this year, but only 24 were accepted.

“It is a fairly extensive application,” Nania said. “They have to fill out a form about their volunteer experience, what they do for their community and why this camp is important to them.” For participant Harnoor Bedi, the camp reinforced her interest in law enforcement.

“I thought it would be really cool because it’s a women-empowering program,” she said. “I see myself going into law enforcement in the future.” Amelie Krog said the camp brings together people with similar goals.

“When you go to school, not everyone wants to be a first responder,” she said. “You walk into this camp and everyone’s immediately friends because we all have the same drive.” Participant Sophie Burke hopes to become a tactical paramedic in the military.

She said the mentors have made a lasting impression. “You come in and you see all these strong women in these great career paths, but they make it feel very inclusive and they empower you to push past your limits,” Burke said. For Nania, seeing those connections develop is one of the most rewarding parts of the program.

“Just the relationships they form together is really important and impactful,” she said. “It’s something that we hope to do for years to come.” A graduation ceremony will be held on Sunday.