Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) has ignited a love of fire science for student Lorena Pena, a student at Overfelt High School in East Side Union High School District. Lorena is currently enrolled in the SVCTE Fire Science/First Responder program where she receives training with actual firefighting tools and equipment, along with classroom instruction.
Her passion was burning bright when she participated in the NorCal Girls Fire Camp April 1 and 2, a two-day program designed specifically for female high school students. The camp is staffed exclusively by active duty women firefighters from the Bay Area and across the West Coast. All of the camp topics are designed to inspire young women interested in a career in fire service. In a male-dominant career, the camp is designed to empower women and create a network to support and mentor them.
During the camp, Lorena received additional hands-on orientation and training. Camp activities included ladders, introduction to power tools, CPR, hose handling, forcible entry, fire extinguishers, search and rescue, and more.
The camp was held in partnership with the Santa Clara County Fire Department at the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety Training Tower.
