MESSAGE FROM CAMP FIRE USA LEADERSHIP

As I reflect on my 21st year as a professional in Camp Fire USA, I know many of you are also celebrating important milestones in your lives. For some of you, that may mean 10 or more years in Camp Fire; for others, it means new adventures and learning as you begin your active involvement in our remarkable organization.

“Remarkable” is an appropriate word to describe Camp Fire USA. We’re nearly a century old––an impressive achievement on its own. Yet we are more responsive than ever to the needs and interests of today’s families, communities and young leaders. Our mission––Camp Fire USA builds caring, confident youth and future leaders––is more than words on paper; it’s what we believe and what we measure ourselves against.

“Remarkable” also describes you! Your participation as a member of a Teens in Action group, a Horizon club or any other Camp Fire USA experience illustrates your commitment to making your communities better places while refining your social and leadership skills. I’m confident that you will learn new skills and make new friends during the National Youth Leadership Forum. We’re glad you will be there. And, remember, having a little fun is okay, too!

Stewart Smith
National CEO, Camp Fire USA

WoHeLo
This May, I was inducted into WoHeLo. In this highly elite “club,” we learn to praise all who share the spirit of Work, Health and Love. We warn those who must read the history of Camp Fire USA that it has a tendency to induce a heavy sleep and lament the fact that the highly prestigious Eagle Award requires less planning and dedication needed to achieve the little known WoHeLo Award.

Members of this club are looked upon as the glitter and gold of the Camp Fire USA program, for we are the realized mission statement: caring, confident youth and future leaders. But we are a rare breed of leaders and achievers. In our efforts to complete the requirements, we meet and greet a vast new array of people. In the expanding of our horizons, we realize that all we can be is humble, for those who most benefit from our service is ourselves.

The enormity of the WoHeLo experience, however, helped me discover that the service I gave allowed me to grow into a leader and a realizer of opportunity. Thus, I have entered the WoHeLo society, fresh from accomplishment but a step ahead of my peers. Exploring my three issues and, yes, even some of those seemingly incessant Reflections, has given me more direction and confidence in myself as an individual. Heading into college I have definite majors in mind along with life goals.

To those who desire WoHeLo: At first, it’s difficult to narrow your issues down from 20 to three; midway through, it’s difficult to keep up with documentation and to find hours; and, in the end, it’s difficult not to have loved the journey which has humbled you so that you wish to continue growing and sharing the spirit of WoHeLo.

Angela Kuhr
Camp Fire USA Balcones Council
Austin, Texas

Camp Fire USA Minnesota Council has always been a promoter of Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® (AIKD), but when the board of directors and staff were searching for a new avenue to fundraising, they hit the jackpot. They would invite local businesspersons and Camp Fire alumni and friends to a luncheon, featuring a keynote speaker and youth talking about how adults have made a difference in their lives. The luncheon would conclude with an appeal for donations, and both AIKD T-shirts and stationary would be passed out so attendees would have something to give their absolutely incredible kids.

Since the luncheon’s debut three years ago, members of the Minnesota Council have seen attendance rise steadily, and the keynote speakers–– former St. Paul mayor Randy Kelly, district attorney Amy Klobochar and, most recently, new police chief of Minneapolis Bill MacManus––have made Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® and Camp Fire USA more visible in the Twin Cities. What’s even better is the money that’s being raised to fund Camp Fire programs––it has increased over three years from $2,000 to more than $15,000, with plenty of room to grow in the future!

Grant Writing
As we grow and mature in our councils, we start to see everything that goes into keeping the council running. We learn about ourselves and dedicate time to Camp Fire USA by taking on roles like camp counselor, program facilitator and club leader. Camp Fire would not be possible without the generous support of people and companies in our local communities as well as across the country.

One way of receiving money to help support specific programs and activities is through grant writing. Few teens take on the job of writing grants as it may seem like a daunting task. In reality, it is relatively easy and a great learning experience. If you are interested in helping with such an important task, talk to your local council about how you can get involved and know that you are helping to keep Camp Fire USA alive through your time and dedication.

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Know YOUR Camp Fire USA!
Where was Camp Fire USA’s first headquarters (way back when it was “Camp Fire Girls”)?
a) Kansas City, Missouri
b) Chicago, Illinois
c) New York, New York
d) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

How many youth serve on Camp Fire USA’s National Board of Trustees?
a) 12
b) 1
c) 4
d) 5

Answers: 1) c 2) c

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.