Welcome to the very first edition of Camp Fire USA's Youth Connection! This newsletter is brought to you by members of the National Youth Advisory Cabinet (YAC) and other youth around the country. The National YAC is a group of 12 youth from all over the United States who work in conjunction with local councils and the national staff to get youth voices heard. YAC members created Youth Connection to connect with the youth they represent, give the youth of Camp Fire a better understanding of what is going on with the organization on a national level and share stories about what youth have done in local councils across the country. We welcome any feedback or thoughts you have about the newsletter because, after all, it is created for youth by youth and we want it to be as useful as possible. If you would like to receive subsequent issues by e-mail, please contact Youth Connection.

The Issue of Hunger and Homelessness

Working together: While in Chicago, Camp Fire USA youth helped a local animal protection society by clearing land for a new facility.

Every two years, the youth of Camp Fire USA focus their energy on an issue of importance to them. Last November at the National Convention in Chicago, youth participants voted on the National Youth Issue for the next two years. Attendees in Chicago watched presentations about three different topics and ultimately voted "Hunger and Homelessness" as the 2004-2005 youth issue. Previous issues include Global Awareness, Inclusiveness and Violence and Suicide Prevention.

While in Chicago, youth were encouraged to:
* Give,
* Advocate,
* Volunteer and
* Educate.

Although the issue of Hunger and Homelessness will be addressed differently from place to place, all youth are encouraged to create and implement service projects in their communities that deal with the issue. E-mail Youth Connection for ideas of projects you can do in your area.

New Online Store
Camp Fire USA merchandise is now online! Check out the new Online Store to view and buy all sorts of new Camp Fire merchandise. A portion of your purchases will benefit your local council. Shop now!

Making a Difference One Letter at a Time
"Hi! My name is Caitlin Jacobson. I am 12 years old, and have been a member of Camp Fire USA for 7 years. I am in a Discovery club in the First Texas Council in Ft. Worth, Texas. I am a representative for the Youth Advocacy Campaign. Camp Fire USA has asked for $2.5 million of federal funding. This money will enable more young people to be involved with Camp Fire. Our team asked people to write letters to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (who is from Texas) asking for her support of Camp Fire USA. We felt that if Senator Hutchison saw how hard Camp Fire members worked to gain her support, she would understand how important Camp Fire is to us. Our team collected 130 letters during our campaign.

"In my council, I asked other groups and Camp Fire USA alumni to write letters. After I explained what we were doing, they were happy to help. I am glad I was able to be a part of this; it makes me feel like I've made a difference in Camp Fire!" - Caitlin Jacobson

Youth for Global Awareness
In January, the Snohomish County Council Teens in Action (TIA) group (Everett, Wash.) put on a regional Youth For Global Awareness conference.

Held at their local camp, the conference brought together 40 local teens who attended workshops and participated in team building activities. Workshops were led by a local high school's Human Rights Club, University of Washington Professor David Fenner and members of the National Youth Advisory Cabinet.

The conference was a great success as participants left with a greater sense of who and what the global community entails and how they might be able to address problems facing the current global community.

Interstate Challenge in San Diego
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) this summer in San Diego, Calif., July 29-August 1. Youth from across the country will gather at the University of San Diego to learn about the current National Youth Issue, "Hunger and Homelessness."

Workshops will be presented about the following:
* Hunger and Homelessness,
* Camp Fire USA and
* Leadership and Teambuilding.

By participating in different activities throughout the NYLF, attendees will be able to meet and network with Camp Fire USA youth from councils all over the country.

Find out more about the NYLF!

Know YOUR Camp Fire USA!
Nationwide, Camp Fire USA serves___ per year.
a) 250,000 youth
b) 12,000 families
c) 735,000 youth

Your National CEO is
a) Stewart Smith
b) Andy Millikan
c) Morgan Munro

Answers: 1) c 2) a

Check back next month for the next issue of Camp Fire USA's Youth Connection. If you would like to receive subsequent issues by e-mail, please contact Youth Connection.