Authors: Megan and Amanda Boccardi
The Girl Scouts have always been a great foundation oriented towards teaching young girls inclusiveness, independence, service, and giving back to the community all the way back to when it was founded during WWI. So it was no surprise to me when I heard of Camp Fury STL and what it was all about. Camp Fury STL is a week long camp for high school age girl scouts; this camp is put on by amazing female first responders in the St. Louis area who teach the girls the ins and outs on being a police officer, being a paramedic, and being a firefighter. Activities include defensive tactics, investigation skills, traffic stops, firefighting skills, and EMS Skills to give the girls an insight on what it is like to be a first responder.
It was a an honor to be invited to speak to the girls yesterday at the end of their day 2 of the camp. Being previous law enforcement, Amanda and I are prime examples just like all other female first responders that girls and women can do anything they put their mind to. Being in a male dominated field (law enforcement) previously, Amanda and I are not in unfamiliar territory with our current business which is mainly owned and operated by men across the United States. Our goal last night was to leave hoping we reached even just a few girls with the inspiration that they can be whatever they want in life- as long as they work hard and never give up. There is nothing those girls cannot do as long as they have the will and the drive.
Seeing how involved our first responders are in our community made us so proud of where we live and work. These women are heroes and are truly in their positions to help others and better their community. I have never been more proud to be a woman, a previous law enforcement officer, and a female business owner. Check out the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and donate or volunteer if you can- these girls are our future leaders taught by our current leaders from our very own community.
