CF A I MR PE
Camp Fire Programs: Making a Difference When Needed Most Showing up when needed is the mark of genuine relationship. It isn’t always easy. It means changing plans, being creative, shifting expectations and being flexible to work within the parameters of a situation which may be less than ideal. Despite the current disruptions, Camp Fire programs continue to show up and be there, making a difference in the lives of youth when they need it the most, as current research is illustrating. Current findings in a study by America’s Promise Alliance on ‘The State of Young People During COVID’ suggests youth in our country are experiencing a collective trauma. A national survey of youth aged 13-19 reported they are: • Feeling less connected to classmates, adults and school; • More concerned about basic needs, health, and academics; • Experiencing poorer emotional and cognitive health; and • Finding support helpful when it is offered.
Young people need the right supports in place to Thrive. This is and has been at the cornerstone of the Camp Fire First Texas program framework. Camp Fire Teens in Action serves four middle and high schools in Fort Worth. When the schools shifted to distance learning, these programs also made a shift to ensure teens in the programs had the emotional and mental support they needed. “We were intentional in our efforts to stay connected to our teens,” explained Connie Jackson, Teens in Action program specialist. “We met as groups using Zoom and House Party. During this transition, we wanted to make a space for our teens to talk about how they were feeling and process all the changes in their lives because of the pandemic.” They continued to meet over the summer in parks that allowed for socially distanced meetings, providing opportunities for them to come together, work on goal setting, enhance communication skills, contribute to community service projects and strengthen social-emotional connections. Camp Fire After School programs support youth in pre-k through 6th grades academically, socially and emotionally. While in-person programming came to a halt in March with school closures, the care and support for youth and families didn’t skip a beat. Site directors re-worked lessons on gratitude, belonging and exploring emotions into bite-sized weekly emails and activities delivered directly to families. They added weekly calls to check in with families and youth while they were distance-learning which continued throughout the summer. With the return to a new school year, after school programs are also returning. The programs are creating a space for youth to have a social outlet, exploring their emotions, and experience nature while they get homework and reading support. Camp Fire Summer Camp looked different in 2020, beginning with taking camp virtual through WoHeLo Hours delivered to all campers’ homes weekly. Each week included (FREE) interactive activities and videos to remind campers that while they couldn’t physically be at camp, they were still connected to a network of campers and caring counselors who were thinking of them. Two, four-week day camps were able to welcome campers safely and in-person to explore new cultures and develop personal connections through an “Around the World” camp theme. “This year’s programs were an opportunity for youth to experience something that was familiar. We built the program with outdoor activities, art projects, and group games, like noodle tag, to let them play and learn the way kids should,” explained Melanie Marshall, director of after school programs. “This year, I think day camp played a significant role in positively changing the trajectory of these kids’ summers.” The cumulative efforts of Camp Fire First Texas to remain accessible and available to families and youth in our community will pave a path to helping youth today and in the future. Learn more about Camp Fire’s role in supporting youth in our community at CampFireFW.org.
Why our programs will continue to be impactful. Camp Fire programs are built on a researchbased framework founded on the pillars of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and it works. 94% of youth feel happy, heard, and supported in Camp Fire. 83% of youth said adults in Camp Fire encourage them to explore the things they are interested in. 82% of youth said adults in Camp Fire help them solve problems instead of telling them what to do. 81% of youth said they learned you don’t have to be born with talent to be good at something.