The Madison Police Department is a proud sponsor of CampHERO, an experience for girls in grades K-12. CampHERO, currently in its third year, was created by Girl Scouts of Wisconsin-Badgerland Council in partnership with local police, fire and EMS agencies. CampHERO teaches girls about the daily lives of fire fighters, police officers and emergency medical services personnel. Along the way, the girls learn courage, confidence and character, cornerstones of a career in the protective services.
Officers from the Madison Police Department volunteer their time and efforts all year to help make CampHERO a success. Officers participate by leading discussions about choosing a career in police work, giving K-9 and mounted patrol demonstrations, teaching the girls defense tactics and fingerprinting. Madison Police personnel also volunteer behind the scenes to make sure volunteers are coordinated, curriculum is age appropriate and equipment is ready to go.
CampHERO lasts for two weeks in July, with the oldest girls attending for a full week, including overnight. The curriculum was developed by professionals in the protective services and teaches girls what careers in police work; fire fighting or emergency medical services are like through hands-on activities.
Girls need to know that they are smart enough, strong enough and brave enough to pursue a paid or volunteer career as a police officer, fire fighter, EMT/paramedic or dispatcher. Nationwide, 31.2% of EMTs and only 12.4% of police and 3.6% of fire professionals are female, leaving girls with few role-models to inspire and guide. MPD is proud to be a leader in hiring females as police officers. Women currently make up 34% of our police officer workforce! CampHERO is an effort to bridge that gap by helping girls to: discover their abilities and interests, connect with a network of mentors and be inspired to take action in making the world a better place through public service.
To learn more about CampHERO, go to the website: WWW.CampHERO4girls.org
Information for this blog was provided and authored by Lt. Jennifer Krueger Favour.