Camp Courage Marks 20 Years of Inspiring Future Emergency Service Leaders
Even today, females and gender-diverse individuals remain underrepresented in Canada’s emergency services: only 11% in firefighting, 14% in the Correctional Service of Canada, 17% in the Canadian Armed Forces, 20% in the RCMP, 22% in Sheriffs, 23% in police, and 24% in the Coast Guard. But for the past 20 years, Camp Courage has been rewriting this story. Founded in Halifax in 2006, this award-winning, barrier-free program equips youths aged 15 to 19 with the skills, mentorship, and confidence to pursue emergency service careers—and the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
The 20th Anniversary Camp Courage will be held July 4–12, 2026, with applications due February 7, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for their chance to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Two Decades of Impact
Since its founding in Halifax in 2006, Camp Courage has engaged, educated, and empowered hundreds of youth in an ultra-nurturing environment. Guided by more than 100 professionals from a dozen diverse emergency service agencies, the program provides mentorship and training at the highest level, transforming potential into purpose.
Training that Transforms
Participants take part in immersive, hands-on experiences that mirror the realities of emergency service work: climbing 100-foot ladders, conducting water rescues, learning self-defence and de-escalation, performing medical simulations like airway management and childbirth, and taking part in firefighting, crime scene investigation, and resilience training. Each challenge strengthens not only physical and mental readiness but also leadership, teamwork, and confidence.
Building Stronger Communities
Camp Courage’s unique application process is rooted in service, not tuition fees. Applicants propose projects that improve their community or the lives of others, supported by letters of recommendation. Before they ever arrive at camp, participants have already made a meaningful contribution—a reflection of the camp’s values of action, accountability, and community.
The results are extraordinary: 36% of graduates now serve in emergency services. They have gone on to become firefighters, police officers, paramedics, military members, and Coast Guard professionals. Many break barriers as top recruits, leaders, and pioneers in their fields. A large number return to Camp Courage as mentors, ensuring the cycle of inspiration continues.
A National and International Legacy
What began in Nova Scotia has now expanded to British Columbia, Alberta, and New Brunswick, with growing interest across Canada and internationally. Camp Courage is recognized as a model for diversity, empowerment, and leadership in emergency services—and its 20th anniversary is not just a celebration, but a launchpad for the future.
Investing in the Next Generation
For 20 years, Camp Courage has been more than a program—it has been a movement. It instills confidence, promotes values of courage and service, enhances diversity in emergency services, and builds stronger, more inclusive communities. By investing in our youth, we are investing in a future that is safer, fairer, and filled with leaders ready to serve.
About Camp Courage
Camp Courage, The First Responder's Society, is a registered charity dedicated to inspiring young women and gender-diverse youth to pursue careers in emergency services. Since 2006, its award-winning, volunteer-driven programs have empowered hundreds of future leaders, creating a ripple effect that continues to strengthen emergency services and communities nationwide.
Media Contact:
Andréa Speranza
Operations Fire Captain / Founder & Executive Director, Camp Courage
📞 902-488-1188
✉️ andrea@campcourage.ca
🌐 www.campcourage.ca