FIRESIDE NEWS Camp Fire GULF WIND, INC. January-February- March 2016 PENSACOLA, FLORIDA Camp Fire and Thrive{ology} Camp Fire was founded in March 1910, by Luther Gulick, M.D. and his wife Charlotte Gulick as the first nonsectarian and multicultural organization for girls in the United States. The Gulicks had a vision connect young woman to the greater society and help them address the big changes happening in the lives of women in the early twentieth century. The Gulicks ideas served as the foundation for a nationally represented, locally cherish MOVEMENT know today as Camp Fire. Serving both boys and girls since 1975, Camp Fire is a youth centered and family-focused organization. Through its programmatic philosophy and program model for developing assets critical for success in life, Camp Fire continues to build active citizens and strong leaders who are better prepared for success in school and community. Since then, Camp Fire has continued to engage youth and teens in building essential skills for life. In 2012, Camp Fire became the first national youth development organization in the United States to implement the Thriving framework developed by the Thrive Foundation for Youth. Camp Fire s Thrive{ology} Framework Every Camp Fire program employs our proven methodology for helping youth thrive. We call it Thrive{ology}. It's a proven methodology to help youth find their sparks and discover who they are. Our trained, caring adult leaders then nurture that discovery, giving youth the tools they need to become leaders in their community, school, or their peer group today. Our approach enables youth to achieve their full potential through four components: 1. Identify sparks Identifying and growing Sparks and Spark Champions. 2. Growth Adopting a growth mindset (the belief that you can learn new skills all the time). 3. Goals Building goal management skills. 4. Reflect Creating the opportunity to reflect on activities and outcomes. Youth also see Camp Fire staff as their spark champions. In a recent survey, 83% of youth said adults in Camp Fire encouraged them to explore the things they are interested in, and 82% of youth said adults in Camp Fire help them solve problems instead of telling them what to do. Page1
Wild & Wise Nature Day Camp Join the Fun! Join us this summer as Camp Fire Kids explore Florida nature and wildlife! The camper s goal is to complete the Camp Fire Trail to Environment Emblem program. Through Camp Fire Wise Old Willie program, children discover outdoor basics and learn about ecology and the 3 R s: reduces, reuse and recycle. Students learn about Florida flora and fauna though Project WILD hands-on activities from the Florida Game & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Additionally, campers complete a community service project to keep the earth healthy and give service to others. 2015 Summer Camp at Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center. Also, Camp Fire will get the kids moving and healthier with the Camp Fire Wise Kids program. Through handson activities, kids will learn about energy balance, enjoy healthy snacks and explore more of the outdoors. New this year, is an archery program to get the children more active. T-shirt included. When: June 1 ending date varies with each camp location Ages: 5-12 years as of June 1, 2016 Time: 7 am 5:30 pm Fee: one-time $20 registration fee and $50 activity fee plus weekly fee Activities: nature, outdoor adventure, hikes, camp challenges, friendship building, special guests, movies, skits, conflict resolution & decision making, environmental learning, games, music, literacy and self-reliance projects, water fun, crafts, and archery. For more information about schedules and pricing, please contact each center. Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center 850-256-0953 Day Camp @ Beulah Elementary School 850-476-1760 Camp Fire PSC Child Development Center 850-484-1524 Camp Fire Milton Clubhouse 850-476-1760 VPK Registration Give your child a jump start! Camp Fire offers a high-quality Voluntary Pre- Kindergarten program where children develop new skills, enhance Reading abilities, and make new friends. They improve their communication and social skills under the supervision of trained, qualified and caring adults in manageable class sizes. Additionally, children have both indoor and outdoor experiences with opportunities for creative play. There is always something fun and interesting happening at Camp Fire VPK. To register for Fall 2016, your child MUST be 4 years old by September 1, 2016. For more information about registration, activities and schedules, please contact each center: Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center 850-256-0953 Camp Fire PSC Child Development Center 850-484-1524 NEWS FLASH!!! Coming this summer! Teen In Action Leadership program for youth 13-15 years of age. The TIA Leadership program will be held at the Wedgewood Community Center starting May 31, 2016. Dates/Hours: Monday Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. To register contact the Camp Fire office at 850-476-1760. Page2
CALENDAR & EVENTS Upcoming Dates and Reminders April: 4/1 Camp Fire Day Camp Registration Begins 4/1-4/30 Camp Fire VPK Online Registration 4/21 Volunteer Appreciation Day 4/22 Earth Day 4/22 Keep America Beautiful - Camp Fire - Give Service 4/24 Blue Wahoos & Camp Fire Game Day May: 5/8 Mother s Day 5/21 Armed Forces Day 5/26 Last Day of School in Escambia County 5/30 Memorial Day Celebrated June: 6/1 Last Day of School in Santa Rosa County 6/1 Camp Fire Summer Camp Begins 6/14 Flag Day 6/19 Father s Day July: 7/4 4th of July Celebration Blue Wahoos Camp Fire Day Sunday, April 24, 2016 Game starts at 4:00 pm The Pensacola Blue Wahoos will host Camp Fire Gulf Wind Inc. at a group outing at the April 24 th baseball game against the Jackson Generals. Group discount tickets are available in advance only and must be purchased from the Camp Fire office. Camp Fire kids will be recognized on the videoboard! Join the fun and buy your tickets now! Advanced Tickets: $8 /adults for reserve seating $7/child for reserved seating This is also MacDonald s Family Sunday with fun activities for the kids. Kids bring your glove and play catch on the field after the game! DEADLINE to purchase tickets is April 8, 2016. Contact the Camp Fire Office or your child s Camp Fire Director. Volunteer Appreciation Day April 21, 2016 is Volunteer Appreciation Day. Camp Fire Gulf Wind, Inc. staff and families give a huge thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers. These amazing people help us to achieve the Camp Fire purpose of helping America s youth prepare for life. A heartfelt thank you to Camp Fire Board members, the Grannies, the UWF intern and those who gave time and service to light the fire within. VPK Graduation Day Mark your calendars & save the date! Both Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center and Camp Fire Pensacola State College Child Development Center will honor the VPK students and their achievements at a graduation ceremony at their respective centers. Parents, grandparents and other family members are invited to join Camp Fire on Thursday, May 24 th at 6 pm at Child Development Center at PSC and on Friday, May 25 th at 6 pm at Century Youth Learning Center for this special celebration. What is your connection with Camp Fire? We are looking for you!! Are you a Camp Fire Alumni? Whether you spent your summer at camp, discovered Camp Fire after-school programs, or earned emblems in a club, you will always be a part of the Camp Fire family. Being a part of the Camp Fire family, means we share one Camp Fire experience. We invite Camp Fire Alumni to reconnect today and share your story. Sign up in the Wo-He-Lo Room on the Camp Fire website at http://campfirekids.com/ or call Camp Fire office at 850-476-1760. Page3
In the News for 2016... Camp Fire Annual Meeting Camp Fire Gulf Wind, Inc. held its 2014-2015 annual meeting on Thursday, February 25 th at the Scenic Hills Country Club. Camp Fire staff, board members and special guests were treated to a lovely buffet and an evening of enjoyment and accomplishments. A special thank you to Dan Van Gemerden of Danken, Inc. for his generous years of donations of trees and holiday decorations for the Parade of Trees. Also, heartfelt thank you to Suzy Siddons who donated endless hours to support the Parade of Trees for 3 years. Camp Fire presents special gifts to our dedicated Volunteers. Congratulations. Many awards were presented to our wonderful staff and volunteers for their outstanding accomplishments and long-term commitment to Camp Fire. We are very proud and thankful for all the dedicated employees and volunteers who work so hard for Camp Fire on a daily basis and to the children and families of the Camp Fire centers. Congratulations to all!!! Valentine s for Veterans Longleaf After-School students make Valentines for Veterans. Locally, Camp Fire youth expressed sentiments of caring and sharing in order to honor and appreciate our Country s Veterans and local Law Enforcement. Camp Fire youth saluted the men and women of who serve our country by sending valentines to the local Veteran s hospital and Law Enforcement. Thank you Camp Fire Kids! Our Passion and Purpose: Helping America s youth prepare for life. Page4
IN THE NEWS FOR 2016... Camp Fire Absolutely Incredible Kids On March 15, 2016, youth in Escambia County celebrated the 19 th VPK kids enjoy a visit with special guests for AIKD. annual Camp Fire s Absolutely Incredible Kid Day. Camp Fire honored our county s youth by asking adults to write simple letters of encouragement and inspiration to the incredible kids in their lives and/or community. The letters brought smiles to many happy children in our local communities. To celebrate the Incredible Kids at Camp Fire, Curious George and the man in yellow in the fun. The children enjoyed having theirs letter read to them by the staff, volunteers and special guest. On February 20, 2016, Camp Fire Gulf Wind, Inc. joined with Pensacola Police Chief David Alexander III and Blue Wahoos mascot Kazoo for Letters in the Court at Cordova Mall. The event created awareness for Camp Fire s AIKD letter-writing campaign. These letter-writing opportunities gave many people in our community a chance to participate, including many businesses, college and community organizations, and the local sports teams wrote amazing letters to our local students. Pensacola Police Chief David Alexander III at AIKD With the help of the community, Camp Fire Gulf Wind Inc. collected more than 1200 handwritten letters that were delivered in Escambia County School Districts Just imagine the impact these encouraging letters made on the students who received them. Special Thank you! Camp Fire acknowledges the continued support from these generous donors: Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Kahn for assistance with the expansion of the WILD & WISE Nature Camp. Bill Van Horn & Company for funding additional equipment. Bill Haven for his backing of the Product Sale. He was the Top Seller for 2015.. Camp Fire is grateful for your support! Happy 106 th Birthday Camp Fire. Page5
LEARNING CENTERS & AFTER-SCHOOL NEWS Camp Fire kids stay busy throughout the year! In January, the children studied Martin Luther King, Jr. and explored Black History. In February, the students created and presented Valentine s cards for the Veterans, Police Officers and Fire Fighters. Also, the students were able to enjoy some outdoor activities and games during the nicer winter days. The children learned about winter and Ground Hog Day For March, the students enjoyed a week of fun reading and activities honoring Dr. Seuss. The children also celebrated Absolutely Incredible Kid Day on March 15 th by reading and sharing the inspiring letters they received. The centers honored the Camp Birthday on March 17 th with a cake and the children singing Happy Birthday! Also, Camp Fire VPK celebrated the 100 th day of school by creating great art projects, such as the 100 th day capes. At our Centers, the children learned about spring and had an Easter egg hunt. The children in Century visited the Century Rehabilitation Center, where they also enjoyed and Easter egg hunt. At PSC Center, the children enjoyed visits with special guests with PBS Kids and Dr. Seuss s Cat in the Hat. In Century, children delighted in a visit with the Fire Department and a special visit to Farm Day to learn about farm animals. The students at Longleaf After-School have also been busy on homework, tutoring and creating works of art. On nice days, they relish their time outdoors playing games. April may bring showers, but hopefully it will give the students more time to explore the outdoors and nature. Kids enjoy reading at Longleaf. Hurry! Hurry! Fire Department visit to Century PSC Kids welcome the Easter Bunny! PSC VPK celebrate 100 th day of school. Camp Fire VPK explore farm life in Century. Page6
CAMP FIRE CORE VALUES Children and youth are our most precious resources. We believe in an approach to youth development that builds assets and empowers individuals. We believe that the best youth development occurs in small groups where children and youth are actively involved in creating their own learning. We are committed to co-education, providing opportunity for boys, girls, and families together. We provide caring, trained, mentors to work with children and youth. We are inclusive, welcoming children, youth and adults regardless of age, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, or other aspects of diversity. We respect and celebrate Nature. We foster leadership, engaging children and youth to give service and make decisions in a democratic society. We provide safe, fun, and nurturing environments for children and youth. We enrich parents and other adult lives by expanding their skills and encouraging them to share their talents and to build relationships with children and youth. Developing Youth to Their Full Potential Camp Fire s passion and purpose is to develop youth to their full potential. We are able to accomplish this by providing programs to youth through our community. Camp Fire youth engage in a fun, environmental summer program which introduces the campers to Florida wildlife and conservation. Yes, I want to help develop young people to their full potential and support the environmental summer camp program. If you would like to help with the development of youth, please complete the form below and return it to: Camp Fire Gulf Wind, Inc. 1814 Creighton Road Pensacola, Florida 32504-7212 Enclosed is my tax-deductible gift for: $25 $50 $75 Other $ This gift is in honor of: Please send an acknowledgement to: Name Phone: Company Name Address City State: Zip: Email We respond to community needs with our programs and expertise We advocate on behalf of children, youth and families. Published and produced by: CAMP FIRE GULF WIND, INC. 1814 Creighton Road Pensacola, FL 32534-7212 850-476-1760 Fax 850-476-6614 info@cfgulfwind.org www.campfirekids.com Have some special news you would like to share with Camp Fire? Contact Pat Madison at the office at pmadison@cfgulfwind.org. Are you a Camp Fire Alumni? YES NO New/Increased gift Please list my gift as anonymous Please restrict my gift for: (purpose/program) I would like more information about Camp Fire. I would like information about volunteer opportunities with Camp Fire. Camp Fire Gulf Wind, Inc. thanks you for your support. Camp Fire Motto: Give Service Page7