MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Girls who dream of being a hero will get a chance to explore careers that can make them one, thanks to Girl Scouts Heart of the South and the Memphis Fire Department.
The two organizations are hosting “HERo Day,” an event for sixth- to 12th-grade girls that introduces careers in firefighting and emergency medical services.
This isn’t your typical career day — instead of just sitting and listening to others talk about opportunities, participants will get a chance to try them out.
The girls will train alongside Memphis firefighters for a day of adventure. Activities include firefighting simulations, rappelling, an obstacle course and CPR training.
Girls do not need to be in the Girl Scouts to attend, but those who are Girl Scouts can get a chance to earn their First Aid badge.
Only 3.7 percent of career firefighters are female, according to the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, and this event aims to eventually raise that number.
The day will take place Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chester Anderson Fire Training Center on 4341 O K Robertson Rd. The registration deadline has been extended to Friday, Sept. 25, and those interested can register online.
The cost of participating in the event is $20, which includes lunch, a bandanna and a HERo Day patch, but up to 50 girls may have that fee waived if they would not be able to afford it.
