After receiving what amounted to a figurative version of CPR from Mayor Kevin Faulconer, 71 girls — and one boy — climbed ladders and hauled hoses as part of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department’s second annual Girls Empowerment Camp Saturday.
Designed originally as a way to encourage girls to join the ranks of fire and rescue, the two-day event was canceled in February after a local attorney said the camp discriminated against boys.
But last month, Faulconer reinstated the program and also announced the program would be expanded to include an additional weekend next month.
The camp’s organizers said boys are welcome and reported that six boys have already pre-registered for the next event, which will run May 19 and 20. The camp gives participants ages 14 to 18 a hands-on experience into a career as firefighters and lifeguards.