TOPEKA (KSNT) - Young women in the capital city are invited to learn what it takes to become a firefighter. The Topeka Fire Department (TFD) is bringing back Camp Courage for young women. The department said in a news release on Tuesday, April 1 that this one-of-a-kind camp lets participants from age 16-20 get to see first hand what it takes to be a firefighter with TFD. The camp is designed to let young women explore careers in firefighting by showing them real-world training experiences. Campers will get to participate in hands-on activities like fire extinguisher use, hose deployment, search and rescue operations, rappelling, auto extrication and basic first aid and life-saving techniques from female firefighters with the TFD and other departments in Topeka and Shawnee County. Topeka council to consider $587M 5-year capital improvement plan "Camp Courage was my first introduction into firefighting, and now I'm proud to serve as a Topeka firefighter," said TFD Firefighter BreAnna Droge. "This camp is an amazing opportunity for young women to be part of a team, challenge themselves, and explore a future in the fire service. I encourage every high school girl in Topeka to apply!" Camp Courage is free for campers; all that is encouraged for people to bring is sunscreen, a water bottle and a sack lunch for every day. "It's an honor to continue Camp Courage for its sixth year," said TFD Fire Chief Randy Phillips. "Women are equally capable of excelling in this profession, and it's incredible to witness the growth in confidence and leadership that takes place throughout the week." Applications for Camp Courage are now open. The camp will be from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 2-6. To apply, click here. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. ...read more read less