MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- At CampHERO, knowing how to save lives is part of the mission, but campers are also getting the chance to learn lifesaving skills while crushing stereotypes and breaking through the glass ceiling.
It's a camp for Girl Scouts led by first responders in Milwaukee – nearly all of them are women, including paramedic firefighter Briona Conway.
“I would’ve been able to see myself in somebody that looked like me,” said Conway. “It’s a chance for us to show girls that they are more than willing and capable of doing the same things that guys are doing.”
The scouts aren't earning badges for starting fires, they're being taught how to put them out.
“It’s a really great experience to be able to work with firefighters and police officers, said Gemma V., Girl Scout. “They say it's a boy's job because they’re scared that women will do it better.”
It gives the young girls the tools to compete and be inspired. Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast CEO Ana Simpson wants to show her scouts a glimpse of what life would look like on the front lines in their communities.
“Allowing girls to develop and find their inner strength,” said Simpson. It’s an all-encompassing experience of all of the emergency services that we have here locally.”
While each task may be more challenging than the next, these Girl Scouts have one goal that has them rising to the occasion.
“It’s a really great experience to be able to work with firefighters and police officers,” said Gemma. “We’re just as strong as anyone else and we’re just as capable.”
For 15-year-old Gemma, it’s a way to see what her future could look like.
“It makes me feel like this is a field I could definitely go into seeing women like me,” said Gemma.
It's firsthand experience for the aspiring paramedic – taught by those just like her. .
“Yeah, it’s good to be able to look up to people like this,” said Gemma.
For other girls like 17-year-old Serenity – this camp is a reminder.
“CampHERO has kept me on my toes,” said Serenity. “To see many women in the field and like doing the job and this is what they do everyday in their lives, it’s something really cool.”
Anyone can be a first responder.
“You can see the smiles on their faces when they’re like oh, wow there’s somebody just like me that’s actually able to do the same stuff,” said Billie Ellie, a Milwaukee Police Officer. “Let’s just face it. We’re stronger, and we’re braver, and I think it’s just great to have females there.”
While some may tell you this is a man's job – these heroes will tell you otherwise.
“No it’s not. Women can do it, too. Sometimes even better,” said Serenity.