The Rialto Fire Department is organizing a free two-day camp in mid-November where teens can train alongside firefighters from across the Inland Empire.

The Inland Empire Girls Empowerment Camp runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Crafton Hills College Fire Technology Center in Yucaipa, according to a San Bernardino County announcement published Oct. 22. The program is open to young people ages 14 to 18, and all genders are welcome.

Participants will get firsthand experience in the fire service while building confidence, teamwork, leadership, resilience and practical skills, the county said. Firefighters and mentors from multiple Inland Empire agencies will lead the sessions.

The Rialto Fire Department is the lead organizer. Crafton Hills College is hosting the event, with support from the Chino Valley Fire District, Victorville Fire Department, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, Colton Fire Department, Rancho Cucamonga Fire District and San Manuel Fire Department.

Seven fire agencies in all are backing the camp.

The Rialto Fire Department promoted a similar camp in 2025, then called the Inland Empire Women's Empowerment Camp. In a September 2025 post on X, the department said participants could learn from female firefighters across the Inland Empire, including Rialto's own Capt. Rivera.

Captain Andrea Binley was featured on a San Bernardino County Fire Protection District podcast published Sept. 3 that covered recruitment, the Girls Empowerment Camp and the community impact of getting young people hands-on experience with the fire service, according to the episode description.

Registration is free through the city of Rialto's online recreation portal. No registration deadline or capacity limit has been publicly announced, though the Rialto Fire Department's 2025 post noted that spots were limited.

Upcoming

  • Inland Empire Girls Empowerment Camp: Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Crafton Hills College Fire Technology Center, Yucaipa. Free. Register at the city of Rialto's recreation portal.