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Girls between the ages of 15 and 18 are being encouraged to apply for a four-day firefighting experience camp in La Ronge this July.
Camp Molly — which is relatively new to Western Canada but has been active in Ontario for many years — operates to provide an opportunity to meet and engage with strong female role models in the community, as well as learn about different aspects of the firefighting industry.
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“It’s a very fun opportunity and Camp Molly is designed to give these girls a four-day experience with hands-on firefighting, working alongside professionals in the industry,” said Saskatoon International Airport Fire Chief Jennifer Cowles.
Cowles is a co-organizer of the event.
“They do everything from vehicle extraction and hose handling, ladders, live fire, and they have us to support them throughout the whole process,” she explained.
“We’re fortunate to have a lot of support through the community and sponsorship, so our goal is to make this camp free for the girls.”
The camp in La Ronge is the only one being held outside of Ontario in 2026. In previous years, the camp has been hosted in White City and Saskatoon with the help of White City deputy fire chief, Krista Bull.
Cowles explained they wanted to host the camp in La Ronge last year, but that wasn’t possible due to the very busy wildfire season.
“I wanted to approach La Ronge last year because I do see that this is an area we tend to have a lot of issues with wildfire,” she said. “I thought … we could base it out of La Ronge and hit the reserves north of La Ronge and around the area and teach them about emergency management, wildland firefighting, evacuations and other aspects of the firefighting industry.
“Then the province pretty much lit on fire. Obviously, that was postponed, so I approached them this year with the hope they’d want to continue with us.”
Those wishing to participate or volunteer for the camp, which will be held July 23-26, are encouraged to do so via the Camp Molly website. The deadline is June 11.
“At the end of the day, I just want people to understand Camp Molly is about giving girls the experience, opening the door to the fire service and giving them confidence,” Cowles said.
“Whether they end up in the fire service or some other career choice or path, this will really instill some confidence in them going forward in their future years.”
