Eleven female and gender-diverse youth between the ages of 15-19 from across Canada will take part in an interactive training camp in Saint John today.

It’s all a part of Camp Courage,  which encourages a look into first-response careers including police officer, firefighter and paramedic.

Today is the final day of a four-day camp that was held from August 28 to 31, and it is the first time it has ever been done in New Brunswick.

Participants will now put what they’ve learned to the test.

They’ll be at the Exhibition Park Grounds from 2:30 to 3:30 on Thursday, for a final exercise where participants will take on various First Responder roles to respond to a simulated impaired driver scenario and multi-vehicle accident.

Camp Courage was established in 2006 in Nova Scotia and has since expanded to Calgary and Indigenous camp chapters. A partnership between Saint John Fire, Saint John Police and Ambulance NB was able to bring Camp Courage to New Brunswick for the first time. In addition to providing a glimpse into careers in First Response, the camp aims to provide information, inspiration, education, and empowerment, leaving youth with the confidence to achieve any goal, career, or dream they desire.

To learn more about Camp Courage, visit https://campcourage.ca/