Camp Spark 2025 in Katy Gives Young Women Hands-On Firefighting and EMS Experience
Harris County Emergency Services District No. 48 (HCESD48) has officially opened registration for Camp Spark 2025, a free, four-day firefighter and EMS training camp designed to introduce young women to careers in emergency services. The camp will take place June 9-12, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily and is made possible through sponsorship from Toyota of Katy.
What is Camp Spark?
Camp Spark is an immersive program that provides young women ages 14 to 18 with hands-on training in firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS). Participants will engage in physical training, emergency response simulations, and interactive learning sessions led by female firefighters and paramedics from HCESD48 and other Greater Houston-area departments.
HCESD48 provides fire and EMS services to communities in West Harris County, including the Katy area. Through programs like Camp Spark, the district aims to inspire the next generation of emergency responders while fostering community engagement and career exploration.
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The firefighting industry has seen a steady rise in female representation, with more women stepping into leadership roles and breaking barriers in a historically male-dominated field. In Harris County, this progress is exemplified by trailblazers such as Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie L. Christensen and Cy-Fair Fire Department Chief Amy Ramon.
In 2020, Fire Marshal Christensen was honored with the Fire Protection Person of the Year Award by the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, recognizing her substantial contributions to fire safety. Similarly, Chief Ramon made history in 2024 as the first woman to receive the Texas Fire Chiefs Association's Fire Chief of the Year Award, acknowledging her exceptional leadership and dedication to the profession. Their achievements reflect a broader nationwide trend of increasing opportunities for women in firefighting, as more departments actively recruit and support female firefighters through training programs, mentorship, and leadership development initiatives.
Camp Spark is designed to empower young women and give them a unique opportunity to explore fire and EMS careers in a supportive, engaging environment. Campers will also receive a Camp Spark Cadet t-shirt and have the chance to interact with professionals who share insights into the daily challenges and rewards of emergency response work.
Who Can Apply?
Camp Spark is open to female students between the ages of 14 and 18 who are in good physical health and can commit to attending all four days of the program. Only 25 applicants will be accepted for this year’s session, making early registration essential.
The deadline to submit applications is March 28, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified before the program begins.
Safety and Supervision
Participants will be closely supervised by trained professionals from HCESD48 and partnering agencies throughout the program. All attendees and guardians must review and complete medical forms, assumption of risk agreements, and waiver requirements before participation.
How to Register for Camp Spark 2025
Interested applicants can download and complete the official Camp Spark application at HCESD48.org. For any questions regarding the application process, contact Jason Tharp, Battalion Chief Of Community Risk Reduction / PIO for HCESD48, at Jason.Tharp@hcesd48.org.
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Why You Should Apply
Camp Spark isn’t just a summer camp—it’s an opportunity to develop leadership skills, experience real-world emergency training, and gain insight into careers in firefighting and EMS. With only 25 available spots, interested students should apply as soon as possible to secure their chance to participate in this empowering and career-shaping experience.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
