Camp Fury Norfolk

The last week in June was an exciting time for a group of go-getter Girl Scouts who took part in Camp Fury Norfolk, a summer camp hosted by Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast and the City of Norfolk Division of Fire & Rescue to introduce girls to nontraditional careers for women, including firefighting. 

While at Camp Fury, the girls were encouraged to try new things that helped them develop teamwork skills and build self-confidence.

Each day was a new adventure and challenge for the girls. The week began with physical training followed by a variety of events which allowed the girls to work alongside female firefighters and learn about what it takes to keep the community safe. At Norfolk Station 9, the Girl Scouts rotated through stations designed to enhance their firefighting skills. 

Once the campers were fitted with their gear on the first day, they practiced CPR, forcible entry and search and rescue missions. Other activities throughout the week included: observing a vehicle extrication demonstration, repelling in Downtown Norfolk, spending the day with Female Norfolk Police Officers to learn more about their important role in the community and learning more about NASA from female engineers.

"Women are more powerful and capable of things than other people think. We have more intelligence and more power and it's just hidden and people need to see that," Girl Scout camper Lynae said as she thought about her time at Camp Fury Norfolk.

On Thursday, the girls spent the night aboard the USS Battleship Wisconsin before graduating from the program on Friday.

“My favorite part of the week was repelling because it was energizing,” second year Camp Fury Norfolk Girl Scout Taerion said.

Camp Fury Norfolk started in 2017 when Darlene Braun, Norfolk firefighter and paramedic, decided to bring the camp to the city after volunteering with other Camp Furys in the area. Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast also partners with the City of Chesapeake and the City of Hampton to bring the Camp Fury experience to Girl Scouts in Hampton Roads.

Camp Fury is designed to immerse girls in a supportive, all-girl environment where they can develop leadership skills and confidence as they embrace the unfamiliar, take risks and discover what they are capable of. 

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