Five PCUL Young Ladies Rise to the Challenge at Camp Ignite
Five young ladies from the Pinellas County Urban League stepped into a world of courage, service and new possibilities through Camp Ignite, a five-day immersive experience designed to introduce girls to careers in fire rescue and emergency response.
PCUL participants Christina Parker, Damoni McKinney, Julyn Brown, Roniha Ceaser and Lyric Ford spent the week learning directly from the professionals of St. Petersburg Fire Rescue. Each young woman was challenged to move beyond what felt familiar, work as part of a team and discover the strength she carries within herself.
Throughout the camp, participants gained a firsthand look at what it takes to serve as firefighters and emergency responders. The girls completed hands-on activities modeled after real fire rescue training, learned emergency response techniques, and explored the many career opportunities available within the fire service. They also earned their CPR certifications, leaving the experience with a practical, lifesaving skill they can carry into their schools, homes, and communities.
Camp Ignite gave the girls space to learn in an environment that encouraged leadership, discipline and confidence. Fire rescue remains a field where women, particularly women of color, are underrepresented. By placing young women in the center of the experience, the program allowed them to see themselves in careers they may not have previously considered.
The week also called on participants to trust themselves and keep going when an activity felt difficult. With encouragement from firefighters, camp leaders and one another, the girls pushed through challenges and experienced the pride that comes from accomplishing something new.
PCUL President and CEO Nikki Gaskin-Capehart joined the experience and is always willing to be hands-on in support of young people, Gaskin-Capehart suited up and descended from a building alongside the participants. Her willingness to take on the challenge reinforced an important message for the girls: leadership means showing up, stepping outside your comfort zone and being willing to face the same challenges you encourage others to overcome.
July 10, the camp concluded with a graduation ceremony, where Christina, Damoni, Julyn, Roniha and Lyric and all other participants received certificates recognizing their courage, resilience, commitment and personal growth. Surrounded by their families, program leaders and members of St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, the five young women were celebrated for everything they accomplished during the week.
Camp Ignite was made possible through the partnership of St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, the City of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department and the Pinellas County Urban League, with support from the firefighters and professionals who shared their time, knowledge and encouragement with the participants. That partnership created an opportunity for young women to learn directly from people working in the field while building skills that extend far beyond the fire station.
PCUL congratulates our young ladies for completing Camp Ignite. We are proud of the strength they demonstrated throughout the week and excited to see where their courage takes them next. We also thank St. Petersburg Fire Rescue and the City of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department for helping make this experience possible and for investing in the next generation of women leaders.
