frequently asked questions

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Island Ignite operates on Vancouver Island with the main administrative office in Campbell River. Each year we are hosted by different municipalities across the island.

Participants must be female youth between the ages of 15 and 18 at the time of camp in Grades 11 & 12. All camp participants must be Canadian Citizens residing in British Columbia. Note that preference is given to students residing on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast.

While Island Ignite  Mentorship Society is focused on giving female youth the chance to explore firefighting, we understand that not all participants will want to pursue firefighting as a career. If you have an interest in emergency service work on any level then Island Ignite can be a place to explore and test yourself in a safe and fun environment. Our goal is to introduce female youth to women who have chosen this profession and, we hope, that by seeing it they may be encouraged to explore what opportunities exist for them in this growing industry.

All camp participants are sponsored by their local municipal fire department and the sponsorship covers all activities, meals, gear and insurance. Travel costs to and from camp will be the responsibility of the participant. Cost is subject to change based on changing operational costs. 

If you are interested in getting involved, whether as a camp participant, an aspiring firefighter, a mentor or an instructor please visit the 'Join Us' section of our website for information and applications. 

Unfortunately we are unable to accept anyone outside of  British Columbia at this time.

Our aim at camp is to encourage female youth to consider a career in the fire service. Currently women represent only 4% of the fire service Internationally.  So, while we aim to be inclusive and accessible, our program is not tailored to serve male youth.  We will make an effort to align male youth with programs designed to best address their interests if we are able. Our aim to is be inclusive and sensitive to the expanding definitions as they relate to gender and identity. We are open to discussing ways to expand our program to address the needs of diverse people within our community.

All Mentor and Instructor positions are 100% volunteer positions. Most volunteer staff have their participation supplemented by their fire department or their IAFF local. We are always eager to have female firefighters in the province be involved. 

Please visit the 'Join Us' section of our website for information and applications. 

Island  Ignite is a 2 night/2 day event. Participants must attend the entire camp to be qualified for a Participation Certificate and to be eligible for any scholarships or prizes awarded.

Mentors and Instructors can participate as much or as little as their schedule allows. 

Aspiring Firefighters are encouraged to attend us much of camp as possible to maximize their networking opportunities, but they are not required to commit to the full camp if they have other obligations.

An Aspiring Firefighter is someone who is actively pursuing a career position in the fire service. Aspiring Firefighters are adult females who may be seeking mentorship, guidance and networking opportunities to advance their exposure and expand their options.

Island Ignite takes a lot of planning and , as a not-for-profit, we rely on donations and volunteer support to operate. Some ways you can help camp include:

- like, share and support our social media feeds

- make a financial contribution to aid operation

- make a donation of goods or services towards camp

- encourage your schools, departments or organizations to support Island Ignite 

- reach out to us and let us know how we are doing and share ideas as to now we can reach our target audience