By Caitlin Taylor
Monroe News, Mich.
WWR Article Summary (tl;dr) The Girl Scouts is now hosting “Camp Fury” a program open to girls who are interested in getting a feel for careers in fire and law enforcement. The camp offers workshops on firefighting, defensive tactics, how to recognize criminal activity and other topics.
Monroe News, Mich.
I’m a firm believer that the best way to empower women is to begin when they’re young girls.
That’s why I’m excited to see tons of new service groups and mentoring programs popping up faster than I can count.
There’s Girl Up, an organization sponsored by the United Nations aimed at giving young girls the opportunity to become global leaders.
There’s Girlstart, a Science, Math, Engineering and Technology (STEM) education program for girls to develop career interests through elective courses and internship opportunities in STEM fields.
There’s Girls for a Change, a group empowering girls to demand social change through projects tackling issues they’re facing in their communities.
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And that’s just the beginning. There are tons of national, statewide and local groups truly committed to changing the climate for women, beginning when they’re young girls.
But what’s impressed me even more are the changes made to the Girl Scouts of the USA program, a years-old organization that easily could be stuck in its ways. And the local branch especially has caught my attention.
Last week, the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan (GSSEM) hosted its second-annual Camp Fury, a program open to girls ages 15-18 who are interested in getting a feel for careers in fire and law enforcement.
The camp offered workshops on firefighting, defensive tactics, how to recognize criminal activity and other topics.
The best part was that the workshops were taught by elite women in the industry, a way of showing young girls that they can achieve success in what we’ve previously considered male-dominated careers.
During fire training, the girls learned about fire safety, moving in confined spaces and how to use a fire hose, extinguisher and radio, among other topics.
As part of their law enforcement training, the girls learned defensive tactics, such as striking techniques, pressure points and using a police baton. They also learned about gun safety and how to make an arrest.
Other themes interwoven throughout the week included domestic violence awareness, first aid and disaster drills. Each day, the girls ended their nights with a “self-care”-related activity to relax, practice stress management and mentally unpack the day’s information.
Christina Marshall, public relations and communications specialist for GSSEM, said as the feminist movement reaches an all-time high, the Girl Scouts has actively shifted its mission in an effort to address prevalent social and political issues head-on.
Camp Fury is just one of the ways the group aims to bust stereotypes, break molds and empower young girls, she said.
Throughout the process, the group hopes to introduce the scouts to strong women role models as they transition from youth to adulthood.
While it has always been considered a great organization for girls, I appreciate its new dedication to busting stereotypes and moving away from gendered activities.
Back when I was a Girl Scout — a Brownie, actually, I never made it to Girl Scout — I don’t remember having the option of attending a program like Camp Fury.
I mostly remember painting pictures, making crafts, learning recipes and selling a lot of cookies. And I’m not very artsy.
I couldn’t be prouder to know that if I become a mother to a wannabe Girl Scout, instead of coloring pictures like I did, she’ll be drafting a plan to change the world.
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