Camp Courage is celebrating 20 years of inspiring young women and gender-diverse youth to explore careers in firefighting, policing, paramedicine, the military, and the Coast Guard. Even today, representation in these fields remains low (11–24% nationwide), but Camp Courage is helping change that story—one youth at a time.
20th Anniversary Camp Dates: July 4–12, 2026 Application Deadline: February 7, 2026 This is a free, barrier-free program—early applications are strongly encouraged.
Why Camp Courage?
For two decades, Camp Courage has offered a once-in-a-lifetime, hands-on experience led by over 100 professionals from diverse emergency service agencies. Participants learn firefighting, policing skills, medical simulations, water rescue, self-defence, resilience, and leadership—building real confidence and real connections.
Our graduates go on to become firefighters, police officers, paramedics, military members, and Coast Guard professionals. 36% are now in emergency services, and many return as mentors, creating a powerful cycle of empowerment.
More Than a Camp—A Community Impact Program
Applicants don’t pay tuition. Instead, they complete a small community-improvement project before camp, helping them build leadership, empathy, and responsibility long before Day 1.
A Growing National Movement
Founded in Halifax in 2006, Camp Courage has expanded to B.C., Alberta, and New Brunswick, with more regions on the way. Our 20th anniversary marks not just a milestone, but the beginning of the next chapter.
Important Program Update
After 20 years leading the planning, promotion, fundraising, and delivery of Halifax Camp Courage, I will be stepping back from local operations to focus on national expansion. Due to the immense amount of work required to run the program at a high standard, Halifax may shift to operating every two years in the future. This creates opportunities for new people to join our planning team.
We Are Recruiting New Volunteers
To ensure the camp continues to thrive, we are building a strong planning team in:
- Administration
- Logistics
- Event Planning
- Fundraising
- Marketing & Public Relations
If you are passionate about youth empowerment or emergency services, please email andrea@campcourage.ca with:
- Your area(s) of interest
- Relevant skills or experience
- How much time can you realistically commit
- Your preference for in-person, remote, or hybrid work
- Why you would like to be part of the Camp Courage team
- Optional: résumé or LinkedIn profile
Your support will help us continue inspiring the next generation of first responders.
Thank you for helping us reach youth who may benefit from this life-changing experience.
Be inspired, Andréa Speranza (she/her), Operations Fire Captain Founder/Executive Director of Camp Courage 902-488-1188 andrea@campcourage.ca https://campcourage.ca/
Halifax Camp Courage Scenario Demonstration (3:41) https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GN1w7rSUm/ Student Appreciation Demonstration (2:26) https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1809652629952747 Halifax Graduation Video (3.38) https://1drv.ms/v/c/3feb3ada513fd9b0/EVzx529MxO9HsmR4P3bEdOgBVCawJyy3rnI3GZ598fpfkQ?e=yOACJD
Camp Courage General Promotional Video – (2:15) https://vimeo.com/110146125
Halifax City Counsellor’s Testimonial (1:30) https://1drv.ms/v/s!ArDZP1HaOus_irpegR5EYeipDPvftA?e=pG7C0V Camp Courage Halifax Success (10:52) https://youtu.be/_-AL464bTzQ All are on our website.
Join us on social media.
Website https://campcourage.ca/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andr%C3%A9a-speranza-36b12a67/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CampCourageFRS Twitter https://twitter.com/CampCourageFRS Instagram https://www.instagram.com/camp_courage
