‘Girls On Fire’ In Bloomfield: Firefighter Training Camp Inspires New Generation

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Claudia Astudillo, a firefighter and a mother in Bloomfield, knows how important it is for young girls to have opportunities to build their confidence and expand their skillsets. And when she got a chance to work with participants in this year’s Girls on Fire youth camp, it was an experience that warmed her heart.

“Watching these girls step outside their comfort zones, take on challenges and encourage one another throughout the week has been incredibly rewarding,” Astudillo said.

This summer marked the four-year anniversary of the Bloomfield Fire Department’s popular youth camp, which provides hands-on training to local residents who are interested in a firefighter career.

Throughout the week, 60 campers suited up in firefighting gear, operated fire equipment, participated in hose drills, practiced emergency response and rescue techniques, completed team-based challenges, and took part in rescue simulations.

The experience was designed not only to introduce girls to the fire service, but also to help them develop confidence, problem-solving skills and leadership abilities – something that has extended beyond the camp itself.

Last year, a 12-year-old former Girls on Fire participant used skills she learned through the program to help her family during a fast-moving house fire in Bloomfield. Recognizing the danger, she quickly woke her sleeping family members and helped guide them safely out of the home.

• Related: 'Girls On Fire' In Bloomfield: Camp Empowers Youth With Firefighter Training

The first women to serve as firefighters in Bloomfield were at the forefront of this year’s camp, offering the benefit of their experience to their younger counterparts.

“We created Girls on Fire to give young girls the opportunity to experience the fire service firsthand, and seeing how the program has grown over the past four years has been incredibly meaningful,” said Stephanie Aponte, the first woman to serve as a Bloomfield firefighter.

The camp’s recent expansion from two days to five – enabled by a $17,000 grant from the Essex County Youth Services Commission – has given the popular program a boost.

“By the end of the week, they have accomplished things they may not have thought they could do on day one, and that is what makes this program so special,” Aponte said.

“Watching these girls step outside their comfort zones, take on challenges and encourage one another throughout the week has been incredibly rewarding,” Astudillo agreed. “They’re not only learning about the fire service, they’re learning that they can be strong, capable leaders in whatever path they choose.”

The program has also gotten a big thumbs up from Jenny Mundell, the town’s first female mayor.

“Representation matters, and when young girls see women serving as firefighters and leaders in their community, it helps them understand that those opportunities are available to them too,” Mundell said.

“Girls on Fire is about more than inspiring future firefighters,” she continued. “It is about giving these young women the confidence to pursue whatever career or leadership path they choose and making sure they know that no door is closed to them.”

• Related: Bloomfield Welcomes Its First Female Career Firefighter In 139 Years

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