The Hanover Fire Department recently participated in the final Camp Molly session of the year.
Fire Chief, Jeff Dentinger, says Camp Molly is a not-for-profit organization that pays tribute to the first female firefighter on record in North America, Molly Williams.
The camp began in 2019 and acts as a way to inspire young women to consider firefighting as a career path. Chief Dentinger says the Ontario Fire Marshal, Camp Molly and the host communities all partner up to offer the camp sessions to girls 15-18-years-old over 4 days.
"They run through various stations where there's hands-on activities related to the fire service such as auto-extrication, fire suppression, medical, numerous stations where they basically complete firefighting activities," Dentinger shared.
Chief Dentinger says it's very important to inspire the next firefighters locally and beyond, and Hanover was honoured to host a Camp Molly session.
The camp attracted participants from the counties of Grey, Bruce, Huron, Perth, Elgin, Haldimand, Oxford, and Middlesex as well as the Regions of Waterloo, and Niagara.
Dentinger notes that in a field that was male-dominated for a long time, it's important to ensure anyone who wants to pursue firefighting as a career has a chance to do so.
"Educating females on the fact that they have the ability to do this work is really important. Seeing the growth and development of the campers when they come in to when they leave is inspiring," Dentinger said.
The camp was made possible in Hanover with the support of generous local sponsors, including; Women of Wellington and Saugeen Area (WOWSA), Bruce County Fire Chief’s Association, Bruce Power, Rotary Club of Hanover, Hanover Lions Club, Hanover Firefighters Association, Hanover Legion Branch 130, Ruth Linnen (Certified Professional Counselling), Grey Bruce Trash Taxi, Culligan Water Hanover, Sunbelt Rentals Walkerton, Grant’s Your Independent Grocer, Wilken Roofing, Hanover Rona, Match Pub and Eatery, Edgewell Personal Care, Grey County EMS, St. John Ambulance, Grey Highlands Fire Department, West Grey Fire Department, and Hi-Tech Restoration.
Dentinger points out the whole camp was run by volunteers.
"We had chief officers there, we had fire investigators, we had fire prevention staff and firefighters. So a great cross-section of females in the industry who could talk about their experiences," added Dentinger.
Moving forward, Dentinger says Hanover is absolutely interested in hosting another Camp Molly session in the future. Camp Molly has its 2025 schedule already set, so there won't likely be another in Hanover until 2026 or beyond.
For more information about Camp Molly and future sessions, please visit www.campmolly.ca.