Henrico County is opening the door for young girls to explore careers in public safety with the launch of its new “Blaze & Badge” summer camp, a hands-on program designed to introduce middle school students to the real-world experiences of firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel.
Set for June 15–18, 2026, the four-day camp will take place at Richmond Raceway (600 E. Laburnum Ave.), running daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The program is open to rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls, welcoming both Henrico residents and non-residents.
Building Confidence Through Experience
“Blaze & Badge” builds on the legacy of the county’s previous “Girls on Fire” initiative, expanding its scope to include both fire and law enforcement training. Over the course of the camp, participants will split their time between:
- Fire service activities — including hands-on drills and demonstrations
- Police training experiences — offering insight into law enforcement work
- Emergency communications exposure — learning how dispatch and coordination operate behind the scenes
The goal is simple but impactful: give young girls a firsthand look at careers traditionally underrepresented by women, while building confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.
More Than Just a Camp
Beyond the physical training, the program also incorporates “eat and learn” sessions, where participants will hear directly from professionals in the Department of Emergency Communications and the Sheriff’s Office. These conversations are designed to connect real-life career paths with the day-to-day experiences of those serving the community.
Lunch will be provided each day, ensuring participants can stay focused and engaged throughout the program.
A Growing Need for Representation
Programs like “Blaze & Badge” come at a time when public safety agencies nationwide are actively working to diversify their ranks. By introducing girls to these careers early, Henrico County is investing in a future workforce that better reflects the communities it serves.
For many participants, this camp could be the first step toward careers in:
- Fire and rescue services
- Law enforcement
- Emergency communications
- Public safety leadership
Registration Details
Spots for the camp are limited, and interest is expected to be high.
- Registration Deadline: March 21, 2026
- Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qc_TUStCv0C0nW9kMRD2BgOY1DW3PV1OvEbum-gB8l5URDQxMkdSOEJHR0kxN045TDI0TFFFR0VIWi4u
- Contact Emails:
Final Word
“Blaze & Badge” isn’t just a summer camp—it’s a pipeline. By giving young girls access to mentorship, real-world training, and exposure to public service careers, Henrico County is planting the seeds for the next generation of leaders ready to protect, serve, and lead.
For families in the Richmond region, this is a rare opportunity to turn curiosity into confidence—and maybe even a future career.
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