Bloomfield summer camp inspires girls to explore careers in firefighting
BLOOMFIELD, New Jersey (WABC) -- Bloomfield elementary and middle school girls stepped into the role of firefighters during the Girls on Fire summer camp, taking part in hands-on training designed to introduce them to careers in the fire service.
Camp participants navigated smoke-filled rooms using a fire hose for guidance, searched for potential victims and worked through obstacle-filled scenarios that simulated challenges firefighters face on the job.
Avery Cintron said the experience gave her a new understanding of the profession.
"When I was little, I didn't really know anything about firefighters, but going to this program, it actually shows what you actually do," Cintron said.
The girls learned from members of the Bloomfield Fire Department, including the first women to become Bloomfield firefighters.
"As a mom, as a female firefighter, it means the world to be able to show girls that they can do this and that there's an opportunity for them," said Claudia Astudillo of the Bloomfield Fire Department.
Astudillo described the program as a meaningful opportunity to mentor young participants.
"It feels like a dream come true that I wish somebody had for me growing up. I get to help connect with these girls," she said.
Now in its fourth year, organizers say the camp aims to encourage more girls to consider careers in firefighting and related fields.
According to the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, women make up only 5% of the state's roughly 31,000 firefighters.
Stephanie Orgueira-Aponte of the Bloomfield Fire Department said perceptions about the profession remain a challenge.
"I feel like it's the stigma. The social media is now everyone wants to do the easy way out. No one wants to be out there as much, get their hands dirty," Orgueira-Aponte said.
Department leaders said the program has continued to grow. A $17,000 grant from the Essex County Youth Services Commission allowed organizers to expand the camp from a two-day event into a five-day immersive experience.
For participant Isabella Pitapio, the camp carries a personal connection. She and her family survived a house fire in April 2025.
"My sister taught me because she was in this group three years ago and she knew what to do and she saved my family," Pitapio said.
While she is uncertain whether she wants to become a firefighter, Pitapio said the camp has already taught her valuable lessons.
"One thing that I've learned is probably, never give up," Pitapio said.
Organizers hope those lessons, along with firsthand exposure to firefighting, will continue to inspire the next generation of girls to see opportunities for themselves in the profession.
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