Building the Next Generation: Spark Champions champion \’cham-pē-ən \: an advocate or defender; one that does battle for another’s rights or honor As a young person finding their way in the world, the influence of a caring adult to advocate for your Sparks – those talents, interests, commitments and qualities that give kids energy and purpose - is powerful. To have an adult encourage a Spark when others don’t see the purpose - and fight for that youth to have a voice is, unfortunately, something not all children experience. This is why Camp Fire First Texas trains their staff to be Spark Champions for children and youth – and they are great at it. “A caring adult has the single greatest potential impact on a child’s life. If you were to take a child who has all of the opportunities in the world, but who doesn’t have a caring adult in their life, and compare them to a child who has nothing, but who does have an adult who supports them, you’ll find the child with a caring adult to happier, have a better outlook on life, be more selfconfident, have a higher self-image and more advanced emotional skills,” explained Jacob Summer, Director of After School Programs & Camp El Tesoro. Connie Jackson, Teens in Action Program Specialist agrees. “Children need support and encouragement to reach their full potential.
They need someone to confide in when they feel they have no one at home to turn to. We cannot control what a child’s home life is, but we can give them trained, caring adults in our programs.” In our own community these Spark Champions are making a difference in the lives of youth with ages spanning from preschooler to high schooler. In 2018, Camp Fire measured how successful the staff are at being Spark Champions by asking those who know best - the youth in their programs. When the results came in, Camp Fire First Texas scores for staff exceeded the national average. Youth identified their program leaders as persons who: • Care about me, • Take the time to listen to me when I talk about things I care about, • Help me solve problems instead of telling me what to do and, • Think my ideas are important. Camp Fire’s research reflects that when adults are properly trained in best-practices, youth benefit more from the programming.
“Camp Fire’s training supports my work with kids by sharpening my skills and giving me more techniques to use in the programs and pass on to co-workers and parents,” said Mecole Darden, Site Director of Diamond Hill Station After School Program. “Camp Fire teaches us about quality. We learn about teaching the kids leadership, mentoring and having a voice and choice,” Jackson adds.
Summer adds, “The biggest benefit I see in Camp Fire’s model is the focus on helping youth learn how to handle their emotions in a healthy manner. When something happens that upsets a child, that is an opportunity to help them process what happened, reflect on the choices that led to the action, and help the child identify and understand their emotions.”
Who Is Your Spark Champion?
My Sunday school teachers at church were my Spark Champions growing up. They encouraged me to stay in school, reach for success and to never give up. They were always available to talk and lend a helping hand and I felt a sense of comfort and love from them that made them approachable and worthy of my trust. – Connie Jackson
One of the biggest Spark Champions in my life was my baseball coach in Little League. Baseball was and continues to be one of my Sparks. He was someone who always challenged me to keep practicing and didn’t let me settle with being “good enough.” Despite being a volunteer and having a very busy schedule, he was always willing to spend time one-on-one with me before or after practice to help improve my batting form or learn a new pitch. – Jacob Summer
Camp Fire First Texas programs are for boys, girls and adults and include camping, after school programs, teen services, environmental education, early childhood education and school readiness. We change young lives for the better in our community. Inside and out. CampFireFW.org | 817.831.2111
Not all youth development programs are equal. To make a lasting difference in young lives, it falls on the shoulders of talented and trained adults who are brave enough, kind enough and dedicated enough to answer the call as champions for the next generation.
Looking back on life, I would say my mother, Annie, was my Spark Champion. She worked harder, never gave up on me and pushed me to be the woman I am today. – Mecole Darden