ONEIDA COUNTY, N.Y. -- The Phoenix Fire Camp gives teenage girls a unique opportunity. For one week, they are given the chance to train and learn what it takes to become a firefighter. The program is put on by professional firefighters to show the girls that they have what it takes to work in this field.

"Firefighting has always been known to be a man’s job. They're still saying fire man everywhere. But women now today can see that they can become firefighters and they can do this type of job,” said Ellen Peoples, Buffalo Fire Department.

"They're going to get additional training by professional women. Some very good instructors that want to do this for them that want to bring them into the service,” said Jackie Ferris, Westmoreland EMT.

Sunday was filled with plenty of fun and games to give the girls a chance to get to know each other, but the rest of the week they'll be learning all the skills it takes to become a real firefighter.

"They're going to be searching for victims. They're going to be raising ladders. They're going to be operating hose lines. They're going to be doing a variety of activities during the week,” said Lt. Anna Schermerhorn-Collins, FDNY.

The program has paid off in the past. Former camper Augusta Smith won the Central New York Junior Firefighter award and couldn't wait to come back and visit with the friends she made.

"I definitely had to come back and see everybody. It was so much fun last year, I had to see them again,” said Augusta Smith, Former Camper.

A great opportunity for young girls to get some first hand experience in a very important field.

The camp will run through the remainder of the week. The girls' training will continue at the Utica Fire Academy.