Compass SPRING/SUMMER 2013

On June 1 Camp Fire will dedicate the new dining hall complex at Camp El Tesoro. The dedication will open with a ribbon cutting and remarks by Peg Smith, CEO of the American Camp Association and Dr. Gary Krahn, Head of School for Trinity Valley School. Tours will follow. Other Camp Fire leaders in attendance include Liz Darling, Camp Fire National Camp Fire Board Chair and former El Tesoro camper and Cathy Tisdale, President/CEO of National Camp Fire.

“We are grateful to have these outstanding leaders come to support and recognize the hard work and generosity of so many. This event not only signifies the opening of new buildings for our campers year round, but signifies Camp Fire’s commitment to look to the future and preserve for future generations a traditional camping experience open to every child, ” said Tod M. Miller, Campaign for El Tesoro Chairman.

This event also marks an important milestone in the campaign fundraising – the public campaign requesting financial support to complete the project. The Campaign for El Tesoro has raised $7.8 million of the $10.7 million goal and is now looking to the larger community for their support.

“When I think about El Tesoro being the only remaining Camp Fire camp in Texas, I realize just how fortunate we are to have such a broad support system of individuals who value the experiences and life-lessons camp provides,” added Zem Neill, CEO/President of Camp Fire First Texas.

New Dining Hall Dedication a Milestone in Campaign for El Tesoro

Camp El TesoroDining Hall Complex-Revised 04.28.2010

June 1 Ribbon Cutting

The Rees-Jones Foundation recently awarded a $15,000 grant to Camp Fire First Texas in support of Camp Fire El Tesoro de la Vida grief camp.

The Rees-Jones Foundation grant is an example of the significant impact that private funding has on Camp Fire programs. In 2012 nearly 80% of the El Tesoro de la Vida campers requested and received financial support. This grant alone will provide funding for more than 20 full camperships or nearly 23% of these campers.

Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones created the Dallas-based foundation that bears their name in 2006. The Foundation’s mission is to serve God by serving others, sharing His resources in ways that provide opportunities for the disadvantaged, relief for the suffering, and encouragement in the growth and well-being of children and families in our community. On behalf of the children we serve, Camp Fire is honored to have the support of the Rees-Jones Foundation.

Rees-Jones Foundation Supports El Tesoro de la Vida

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CHaIRMaN oF THE BoaRDBrandon L. Chase

VICE CHaIRMaN,aDMINISTRaTIoNLauri Curtis Hadobas

VICE CHaIRMaN,FINaNCIal DEVEloPMENT

Barbara B. Cook

VICE CHaIRMaN,PlaNNING

Judd Pritchard

TREaSURERNancy Hooper

SECRETaRyGeorge W. Bean, Jr.

DIRECToRSJerri O. AkersHeidi Coombs

Kimberly DeWoodyGary L. Douglas

John S. ElliottDolores GarzaMarilyn Gilbert

Michele HahnfeldTerry HaneyDan HansenNina Hutton

Brant C. MartinGloria V. Martinez

Bill McCoyTod M. Miller

John MolyneauxChuck Mooney, III

Cheryl MooreSteven W. Novak

Evelyn H. RichardsonJenene SchafferChuck SheridanLinda Springer

John StrongMonica M. Thomas-Bonnick

Lynda TiedtkeJared G. Vitemb

Kay L. WestLori West

Drenda Williams Witt

FoUNDaTIoN BoaRDDaly R. Bales, Jr.

Kenneth BarrKevin GarmanMelissa Kirtley

Barry RichardsonPatricia Vaughan

PRESIDENT/CEoZem Neill

2013 BoardMembers

a Note from Zem

In the last issue of the Compass, we introduced the new Camp Fire

brand and Our Promise. Implementation of this new look has been

a smooth process. The support and ownership of our volunteers and

staff of this process has certainly helped. Our next phase of brand

implementation will be seen on and in the Camp Fire Resource

Center, at our program locations and a new website design.

While the implementation of the new brand looks to our future, at Camp Fire First Texas,

we are also researching and preparing to tell the story of our past.

Next year marks the 100th Anniversary of Camp Fire First Texas. Planning is underway

and I cannot tell you how excited we all are to pause and recognize this moment in

our organization’s history. Camp Fire volunteers have been working with a number of

local partners and organizations to tell our story through various points of view. Each

opportunity demonstrates how our council has helped shape generations of youth in

North Texas – and the exciting plans that will enable this organization to continue to do

so for generations to come!

Please take the time to go to our website and join our Alumni Club. Even if you or a friend

you know participated in a Camp Fire program in another region, we want you to join the

Camp Fire First Texas Alumni Club. I look forward to past and current volunteers, youth

members and staff articipating in the centennial celebration.

lisa Ciora-Fandrich Joins Camp Fire Development TeamLisa Ciora-Fandrich joined the Development Division of Camp Fire First Texas in January as the new Annual Giving Manager. Lisa has more than 15 years of experience in the areas of community relations, talent development and event management.

Prior to joining Camp Fire, Lisa served as the Community Relations Manager for Fluor Corporation where she managed Fluor’s grant program for North Texas, employee volunteer programs, community impact initiatives and more.

Lisa maintains active involvement in several community service organizations. Most recently, she served on the Board of the Irving Schools Foundation, an organization that supports the students and staff within Irving Independent School District. She is an advocate for children and enjoys volunteering. Lisa and her husband, Will, have three children.

Jonathan y. Ballard award PresentedJesus ‘Jay’ Chapa, joined the Camp Fire Board of Directors in 2002. He served as Vice Chairman, Planning; Vice Chairman of Administration; as Board Chairman and on the Capital Campaign Steering Committee. For his past leadership as chair of the 2011 and 2012 Board Development Committees and as a member of the Camp Fire First Texas Foundation board, he was presented with the Jonathan Y. Ballard Award at the Camp Fire First Texas Annual Meeting. This award is given to individuals who have provided superior service in the general area of administration and is given in honor of

the late Jonathan Ballard, a director at Southland Corporation, who made a significant contribution to Camp Fire and the Foundation through his will.

El Tesoro de la Vida Dinner Chair Shares Personal Connection to CampersEach year supporters of Camp Fire El Tesoro de la Vida grief camp come together for one night to secure the opportunity to forever change the lives of hundreds of children. This year’s event was chaired by Melinda and Kevin Garman. Kevin has a personal connection to the children at El Tesoro de la Vida. He has walked in their shoes. As a child, his family lost his father and sees in this camp the hope and the healing that was desired for his own siblings. The Garman’s desire to “pay it forward” was evident in their support and dedication to make this year’s event a phenomenal success for the children it helps.

The annual dinner and auction has one goal – raise funds to give as many grieving children the opportunity to heal while having the time of their lives at camp. This year the more than 380 supporters did just that raising more than $45,000, 43% more than last year, to support camper scholarships for grief camp.

“I am extremely thankful for the generosity of so many to help these kids find healing and help at El Tesoro de la Vida,” said volunteer camp director Denis Cranford. “Even with this amazing success, there are always more children to help. It is my hope that supporters who weren’t able to come to the event find it in their hearts to fund a child at camp this year through the Camp Fire First Texas Campership Drive.”

Excel For Success Early Childhood Initiative launchedExcel for Success is a program supported by the Rainwater Charitable Foundation.

Excel for Success is a comprehensive, early childhood professional learning system that focuses on development of professional readiness for early childhood practitioners and administrators.

Cheryl Mixon, the facilitator for this new initiative, said, “We want to build a core competency that can be reflected in the educators’ actions in the classroom through their work with children, parents and program staff.”

What sets it apart from other models is the attention on putting research into practice and offering rigorous, ongoing professional development that systematically allows participants to learn, reflect on the learning and, finally, apply the learning in the classroom.”

This integrated system includes research-based curricula; technology driven child and program progress monitoring; and intense, on-going teacher professional learning including on-site mentoring focusing on providers of 0-5 age groups.

As the program expands it will: offer a Saturday Academy providing sessions on research-based best practices that will be offered to the larger public, develop a Family Engagement program and develop the Camp Fire Child Development Center into a model program where practitioners can observe and participate in a lab setting that exemplifies high quality, research-based best practices that contribute to the school readiness of all children.

L-R - Jennifer Folzenlogen, Camp Fire; Cheryl Mixon, Camp Fire; Jeremy Smith, Rainwater Foundation

Melinda and Kevin Garman

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Save the Date for Fall Camping on Fall CreekGroup camping gets a new look this year at Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro’s event, Fall Camping on Fall Creek, held October 10 -13.

This year’s event is open to families and friends of all ages and is adding some activities. The event’s new offerings include a 3-night option, adult focused explorations, later departure on Sunday afternoon and equestrian activities. There will also be story telling around the fire to learn about the legends and lore of Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro.

“We hear from adults all the time that they wish they could come to camp, too,” said Susan Merrill director of programs at Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro. “For all those adults, this camping event is a wish come true!”

Registration and pricing will be available online in July.

Record attendance at Celebration of Child Care ChampionsMore than 490 child care professionals and supporters of early childhood education filled Ridglea Hills Country Club on April 24 for the sold out, 8th annual Celebration of Child Care Champions dinner and awards ceremony emceed by presenting sponsor Lockheed Martin’s Eric Fox.

“We depend on a lot of people to make quality early childhood education happen from funders, researchers, educators and ISDs to mentors, classroom teachers and directors,” explained Lyn Lucas, vice president of the work/family division of Camp Fire. “It is rare to have all of these people under one roof to celebrate the quality and importance of early childhood education.”

This event recognizes the immense value and positive impact early child care professionals have on tens-of-thousands of North Texas children. The theme of the evening focused on implementation of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) in the early childhood classroom.

Sharon MacDonald, the keynote speaker and 28-year child care veteran, delivered a humorous and interactive, get-out-of -your–seat-and-participate message to demonstrate the power of music and engagement in learning.

Keeping with the focus of the evening, table centerpieces, donated by Kaplan Early Learning Systems, were baskets filled to the brim with classroom tools, equipment and games that support STEM learning. One lucky child care professional at each table took it back to use in the classroom.

The evening culminated with the presentation of the 2013 Excellence in Child Care Awards.

The Celebration of Child Care Champions was presented in conjunction with the Fort Worth Area Association of Education of Young Children, Educational First Steps and the National Association for Family Child Care Homes.

Recipients of the 2013 Excellence in Child Care awards*Denise CollinsPhyllis Jack Moore Professional Development Award

Ty FaganYoung Professionalof the Year

Barbara luftFamily Child Care Provider of the Year

Rhonda DeenTeacher of the Year

Syble louise MichellAdministrator of the Year

*The awards presented are based solely on nominations from parents, early childhood educator peers and administrators in Tarrant County.

L-R Barbara Luft, Ty Fagan, Syble Louise Michell, Rhonda Deen, (Denise Collins not pictured)

Presenting Sponsor

Every Child Deserves to Go to CampWhen Debi McDonough first started thinking about sending her son, Coley, to camp it was strictly to keep him active and have something to do while she worked. As a single, working mom she wanted to keep her young son active during the summer months, but found that many camps were ½ days or just too expensive. A friend had mentioned Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro to her. “It was amazing, everything we were both looking for in a camp. When I realized that they offered camperships I just knew this is something that we had to do and hope that our application would be accepted, she said.”

The first summer Coley attended Camp El Tesoro he was 10 years old. “That first summer as I watched the campers walk up through the woods to meet their parents at closing ceremonies and saw Coley singing camp songs with his new friends, it brought tears to my eyes. He looked so happy!” said McDonough.

Coley’s favorite camp activities are archery, canoeing and kayaking. One of his favorite memories from camp is receiving his tenure walking staff that his counselor made especially for him with his name burned into it. Attached to it is his 3-year

pin. He says he will be bringing that walking staff with him every year now!

This summer marks his fourth year attending overnight camp. Coley’s goal is to be in the CIT (counselor in training) program when he turns 16 so he can become a counselor at El Tesoro one day.

McDonough truly believes that going to camp has helped prepare Coley for life, independence and the opportunities to achieve his goals. “If it wasn’t for your donations we would not be one of the families enjoying the benefits of Camp El Tesoro. It is my hope to one day be able to give back as a donor so that we can help kids have the experience that Coley has had!”

Through generous contributions of supporters and donors, Camp El Tesoro was able to provide 137 camperships in 2012. While that is an impressive number, there were still more on the waiting list due to financial need. Help us achieve our goal of being able to send 150 kids to camp this summer through our campership drive.

Your generosity can provide a life-changing experience for a camper and family. Make your donation today online at CampFireFW.org or by calling 817-831-2111.

Camp El Tesoro is celebrating the 80th summer of camp this year making it one of the oldest camps in North Texas and the only Camp Fire camp in the state. If you would like to attend the event which begins at 1:30 p.m. on June 1 please RSVP at CampFireFW.org or 817-806-5451.

The campaign is now entering the public giving phase and needs the support of the community to be completed. If you would like to contribute to the Campaign for Camp and be recognized on one of our donor trees, please visit CampFireFW.org to make a contribution or use the enclosed envelope.

Capital Improvements Summary:Completed Projects Funded, but not Completed Projects Unfunded Projects, Need to be Completed

• Equestrian Center • Eight new cabins (four duplexes) • 15 New Cabins (six duplexes & three singles)• High & Low Ropes Challenge Course • Welcome & Outdoor Education Center • Lodge Renovations• Dining Hall • Arts Village • Pool Area Expansion• Health House • CIT & Staff Housing• Multi-Purpose Sports Court • Interior Roads & Hiking Trails• Entrance & Road into Camp • Office & Camp Store

continued from page 1

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If you make a donation by May 17 your gift will be matched up to 15% by the Birdies for Charity program through the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial Country Club.

80YEARS1934 - 2013

Recent ContributorsINDIVIDUalS

Ms. Sue AbshireMr. Chuck AkersMs. Carolyn A. AlbanLisa AustinSharon L. AustinKathleen and D.R. BalesMs. Danielle BasshamMr. Hutch BeachMr. George W. Bean, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Darrell BeasonSherry BennettMr. Jerry F. BergerMr. and Mrs. Chuck BlantonMrs. Jeanne BoatmanMr. and Mrs. Lee BohmeShirley BowenMr. and Mrs. Kevin C. BrandtMrs. Evelyn H. BreauxMrs. Flora BrewerMs. Tara BrindleyDarcy BrownSusanne BrownThe Bullard FamilyMs. Blanca Elena BurciagaMr. J.W. ButtsCorinthia CampbellRalph CarollMs. Karen CaryThe Chandler FamilyMr. and Mrs. Brandon ChaseMr. Paul K. ChitwoodMs. Linda Goehman ChristieLisa Ciora-FandrichSkyla ClaxtonCindy ClinesMr. Steve M. ConnollyLisa A. CookJacqualyn A. CoronaMr. and Mrs. Jerry L. CottonMalinda Murphey CowanMs. Tammy L. CoyneMr. Denis CranfordMr. and Mrs. Jerry W. CranfordDr. and Mrs. Timothy E. CroninMr. Mark CrowellMalinda CrumleyMr. and Mrs. Dan CustredMecole DardenMr. Brady DarnellMs. Kimberly A. D’AvignonMs. Karol Genovese Del RealMs. Dawn DeWallMs. Virginia DormanDr. Laurie Boquet DoryDr. and Mrs. Gary L. DouglasMs. Karen Genovese Dozier

Mr. Derrek DruryMr. and Mrs. Keith M. EastonEl Tesoro de la Vida - Anonymous

DonorsMs. Samantha ElderDonna EltonLeigh Ann EmersonMr. and Mrs. Bruce EppsMr. and Mrs. Fred FayyaziMs. Lisa FellersMr. and Mrs. Pat FisherMr. Len FullerMs. Marcia A. FullerMr. William Jared FullerMs. Jennifer FungMaddie GarmanMelinda and Kevin GarmanMr. and Mrs. Timothy P. GildonLydia A. GoetzMr. and Mrs. Thomas C. GoochLorayne GoodwinBarbara and Denis GreerKay GunnLauri Curtis HadobasMr. and Mrs. Lee Roy HahnfeldDorothy and Gary HamesMs. Michelle HancockTerry HaneyFiske HanleyDebra HanusMr. and Mrs. Weldon B. Hatch IIIMrs. Dawn HendersonMr. and Mrs. Keith A. HicksEvey and Michael HullNina HuttonMr. and Mrs. Stuart IsgurMrs. Phyllis H. Jack-MooreConnie JacksonDiane Lochtrog JohnsonMr. and Mrs. Herbert H. JohnsonChristy R. JonesAngela Kell-HastingsKelly B. KellerRuth Ghormley KimbroughConnie D. KingJoshua KollieMr. and Mrs. Glen KrohMs. Eileen S. KuldaTeresa and Tim LandonDanh T. LeMelissa LopezJane LovedahlLyn LucasMisty LuttrellMr. and Mrs. Bullett ManaleJudy MayoMr. and Mrs. Samuel McBride

Ms. Wendy A. McFarlinCarolyn S. McGahaMs. Mary Anne McKenzieMrs. Mary Tyler McMurtrayThe McPherson FamilySusan E. MerrillThe Metz FamilyMr. and Mrs. Audie MillerMr. and Mrs. Brian MillerMs. Lindsay C. MillerMr. and Mrs. Tod M. MillerMs. Susie MintonMrs Sara MitchellCheryl Y. MixonMr. John MolyneauxCheryl MooreMs. Heidi D. MooreGlenda H. MorenoTracy MunfordMrs. Roxane C. MurphMs. Danielle E. NeedhamZem NeillDr. and Mrs. Patrick W. O’MalleyMr. Michael PateShannon L. PenaLinda L PeoplesDiane PhillipsTracey Young and Jeff R. PittsMrs. DeVonna L. Powell WicksMs. Samantha PtacekMrs. Patricia RainesEdward RamirezLinda RamozMr. and Mrs. Curtis RinnMr. and Mrs. Tom E. RobinsonMr. Fritz RoesslerMarlene and Michael SandersMr. and Mrs. Matt ScalesJenene SchafferMr. and Mrs. Trey ScheidemanHortencia SernaJack and Pat ShannonScott ShaunfieldAnn SheetsThe Shelton FamilyMr. Chuck SheridanMr. and Mrs. John ShultsRoyce SimmonsSally and Steve SnowMr. Lyle H. SnowMiss Kimberly SotmanKatlin SouthallMs. Ginny TannerMrs. Kathleen TelgerTerry TempletonChristi and John Thornhill Crystal L. Tobar

Lydia TovarScott TreesThe Uvaney FamilyMr. Jared VitembTracie and Michael VoelkeringMr. and Mrs. Michael WeaverLori and Jay WestMr. Michael A. WilliamsMs. Judy R. WilsonKathy WymerLauren Yosten

oRGaNIZaTIoNS

Academy Sports + OutdoorsAlbertson’s Community Partners

ProgramAnonymousAT&T, Anonymous EmployeesBabe’s Chicken Dinner HouseBank of America, N.A. - Fort

Worth, Anonymous EmployeesBank of TexasBen E. Keith FoodsBetty Janes BoutiqueBNSF Railway CompanyBranson AirportBrazos MoonBrazos SmokehouseThe Business PressButler’s AntiquesCabinet SpecialistCamp Bowie DistrictCentral Market - Fort WorthCitigroup, Anonymous

EmployeesClayton Yes! Corporate OfficeConcrete Colors of TexasCotton Patch CafeDallas Ft. Worth Metroplex CFCDallas Ft. Worth SECCDallas Symphony OrchestraDiamond Oaks Country ClubDisney ParksDowntown StoreA. J. & Jessie Duncan FoundationDyno Rock Indoor Climbing

CenterEddleman-McFarland FundEducational First StepsEncana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.Finley Resources, Inc.Fly Branson Travel Services Fort Worth PaintballFort Worth Symphony OrchestraFort Worth ZooFunky MonkeyGameStop

Thank you for supporting Camp Fire First TexasContributor list through April 30, 2013.

Guardado LandscapingPaul S. Hollis TrustHome DepotIndulge MagazineJ. Hilburn Men’s ClothierThe J.I. FoundationJetta Operating Company, Inc.Jon Hart DesignsJPMorgan Chase BankJunior League of Fort Worth, Inc.Kaplan Early Learning Systems Lakeshore Learning Materials LaurieAnna’s Vintage HomeLhoist North AmericaLKCM Radio Group, LP (95.9 The

Ranch KFWR)Lockheed Martin AeronauticsLonestar Antiques LLCLoyalty Class, First United

Methodist ChurchMarigold Trading Co.Market on the SquareElla C. McFadden Fund of the

Community Foundation of North Texas

The Adeline and George McQueen Foundation

The Meadows FoundationMunfy ProductionsNational Camping Association of

JapanNothing Bundt CakesNRH20Omni HotelsOscar’s PubPamela & Company Paradise Bistro & CoffeePier 1 ImportsPig Iron CityPinehurst ResortProject PartnersRed on the SquareThe Rees-Jones FoundationRidglea Watch & JewelryRMP Industrial Supply, IncRobin Jackson PhotographyRuby Grace’s at LoneStar

AntiquesScarborough Renaissance

Festival Harold Simmons FoundationSky Camp in Yoshima JapanSouthern Star AviationSports AuthorityFort Worth Star-TelegramStuff N’ NonsenseTarget

Texas Health ResourcesThe Funky MonkeyThe Maverick Fine Western WearThe Pan HandleTom Thumb Good Neighbor

ProgramUnion Pacific FoundationUnited Way of Central New

MexicoUnited Way of Tri-StateVaquero Country ClubWagon YardThe Gil and Dody Weaver

FoundationWhole Foods ProductsXTO Energy, Inc.

HoNoRaRIUMS

Dave Allen Marky Thornhill

Corinthia Campbell Brandy N. Gray

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Cochran Dr. and Mrs. Willis H. Murphey, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Crumley Dr. and Mrs. Willis H. Murphey, Jr.

Kim D’Avignon Alicia Cannon

Tyson Fields, my former student Vaughna Kromann

Annie Flory Alicia Cannon

Laurie and Jaycie Henderson Cory Henderson

Mr. and Mrs. David Jones Dr. and Mrs. Willis H. Murphey, Jr.

Joan Katz Blake Brodgen

Lindsay Miller Alicia C. Miller

Danielle Samsury Erin Robison

Darian Sands Kerri A. Sands

Carson Aaden Smith “Memaw”, Susan Lucky Smith

Shelley Spikes Brittany Bradshaw

Calie Willis, a new college graduate

Mom and Dad Sheri and Douglas Willis

Dorothy Wing Terri Brigman

MEMoRIalS

Myra Bauldwin Mrs. Verna K. Straiton

John M. Blackwell Katherine and Pete Giuliani, Jr.

Linda Brown April Ciccarello

Sue Brown Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Holle Melissa and Bill Joslin Mary and Rondale Ladd Zem Neill Ann Sheets Mrs. Faye Toler Mr. and Mrs. William Michael

Zimmerman

Krystal DeShawn Bryant Zem Neill Ann Sheets

John Coultas Thomas Braun

Mattie Mae Cunningham Linda Barnett Patricia M. Bolger Martha Brooks Cindy Clines Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Drake Leigh Ann Emerson Mr. and Mrs. Pat Fisher Diane Lochtrog Johnson Connie D. King Lake of the Woods Camp Mr. and Mrs. Larry McAuley National Finance Credit Corp

of Texas and Texas Livestock Marketing

Association Zem Neill Linda Ramoz Dorothy Wing

Walter Lee and Lena Mai Dyer Jill and Todd Boydston

Robert Flory Alicia Cannon

Steve Fults Pam and Steve Mooney

Mark Henderson Cory Henderson

Adele Klein Rush Klein

Chhoy Mao Rattana Mao

Ralph Mendoza Zem Neill Ann Sheets

Clarence Mooney, “Pepaw” Steve, Courtney and Pam

Mooney

Harley Lee Nolen Cindy and J.R. Hames

Marlow Strode Rodriguez Mr. and Mrs. Grady Shropshire

Grace Sadler Zem Neill

Darrell W. Sands Kerri A. Sands

Amy Sherbart Janet and Bill Neff

Jack Sheridan Glen and Dale Bell

Gregory Smith Ms. Lawan Smith

Ted Thornhill Mark A. Thornhill

Maxie Tipton (still helping children)

Verne and Christine Walker

Eric Wallace Leticia Caraveo

CaPITal CaMPaIGN

Kathleen and D.R. BalesJill and Todd BoydstonTerri BrigmanSusanne BrownCindy ClinesLisa A. CookDonna Elton and Tom SmithLisa and Bruce EppsVincent Genovese Memorial

FoundationJoan and Lee Roy HahnfeldCecilia HindmanDiane Lochtrog JohnsonRush KleinLaura and Tod MillerThe Chuck Mooney FamilyAnn SheetsBernadette and John ShultsWard G. VealeDorothy C. Wing

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Camp Fire First Texas2700 Meacham Blvd.Fort Worth, Texas 76137-4699CampFireFW.org

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Stepping Up to GraduationMay is synonymous with mortar boards, Pomp and Circumstance and opening a new chapter in young lives. For 11 students this life experience almost didn’t happen.

Three years ago, as sophomores, seven students at North Side High School and four students at Diamond Hill High School were referred a truancy prevention program – a program that has changed the course of their lives.

“The students I work with are expected to help in the home with siblings, hold a job to provide financial support all while completing homework assignments and going to school. Or they are faced with the peer acceptance and easy cash that being a part of a gang offers. This is their reality. It is my job to help these students navigate within their realities to be successful,” explained Melissa Villegas, director of teen services.

Through Step Up, Villegas provides students the tools and unconditional support they need to blaze a different path by introducing them to new career possibilities, instructs them on how to apply to college and financial aid, and prepares them for college life. And this work is paying off.

“Doing something different than what their parents did, what their cousin did, what their family did is scary for these kids. But I see over and over that with support, the students in Step Up welcome the change, embrace it and want to be a part of something more and we help them achieve that,” Villegas shared.

The program currently serves 48 students freshman through seniors. This is the largest graduating class for the program with 100 percent of seniors going on to college after graduation.

our PromiseYoung people want to shape the world.Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find theirSpark, lift their voice, and discover who they are.In Camp Fire, it begins now.

Light the fire within

WoHelo alumni!Calling all North Texans who have participated in a Camp Fire program to join the Camp Fire First Texas alumni Club! Register online at CampFireFW.org or call 817-806-5406.

Step Up participants Esmerelda Rodriguez and Barbara Velasquez will be graduating on June 9

from North Side High School.

NEW Product Promotes Giving to Camp FireFort Worth based snack company, Anderson Trails, launched a new product called WOATS. This snack exists to inspire kids to discover and harness their passion, make a difference in their communities and change the world for the better.

One way the company is activating their mission is to identify a Monthly Mission Partners whose mission aligns with theirs AND help raise money for the non-profit partner.

Camp Fire First Texas will be the FIRST Monthly Mission Partner For every online purchase at www.woats.com through July Camp Fire will receive a $1 donation per bag plus supporters of Camp Fire receive $1 off using the code: campfire.