Camp Fire Compass Spring 2015

Compass SPRING 2015

An Absolutely Incredible Graduation Story Universal Pre-K Study Results Summer Adventures at Camp Fire

Benefit Dinner Helps Children, Youth Healing The annual Camp Fire El Tesoro de la Vida Benefit Dinner was held on April 22.

Emceed by 95.9 radio host, Justin Frazell, the live and silent auctions raised more than $72,000 to support the camperships and week-long camp programming.

In 2014, 67% of campers attended on a scholarship. This was made possible by individual contributions to the Campership Fund and proceeds from the benefit dinner and auction.

More than 350 guests watched and laughed as the highest earning live auction item – a hand-painted rock by nurse Barbara Greer titled “Never Lose Hope”– was bid on between a man and young girl. At $2,000, the school-age girl bowed out of the bidding, and was overjoyed when the man gave the hand-painted rock to her as a gift. At the end of the evening, 130 auction items went home with the winning bidders.

Dinner for the event was generously underwritten by Cotton Patch Café.

Other major sponsors include:

Horizon Sponsors Cotton Patch Café Herbert and Nell Johnson Vincent Genovese Memorial Foundation

Letter From Zem The Camp Fire First Texas’ Centennial in 2014 sparked an energy and desire to keep the council focused on the core values of Camp Fire that have proved to be essential to the success of the organization over time. As a result of this commitment, in the first quarter of 2015, Camp Fire has: n

Released the results of the Camp Fire Universal Pre-K Impact Study, stressing the need for continued emphasis on the evercritical zero to three years;

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Celebrated the blooming of 30,000 Centennial daffodils on the Trinity River;

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Continued partnerships across North Texas that have brought record participation in quality outdoor and after-school programs; and

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Reached a total of $10.8 million for the capital Campaign for El Tesoro.

These accomplishments don’t just happen; they are the result of many people working together. For 37 years, I have been proud to work alongside amazing volunteers, donors and staff who have supported and guided Camp Fire First Texas in accomplishing so much. In this my final Compass letter to you as President/CEO, I want to express my sincere appreciation to generous donors, engaged and capable volunteers, and dedicated staff. I look forward to seeing the organization continue to evolve to meet the needs of children, youth and families in our communities.

Discovery Sponsors BNSF Karol Genovese Del Real RMP Industrial Supply Fritz Roessler

Cedar Sponsors Fort Worth Police Officers Association Hutch Beach JPS Health Foundation Kathleen and D.R. Bales Karen Genovese Dozier Alice Rodriguez and Thomas Kendall

Redwood Sponsors Barbara and Denis Greer Winjie Miao Marlene and Michael Sanders

Media Sponsors 95.9 The Ranch Star-Telegram Indulge

WoHeLo,

Event Chair, Karol Del Real with Camp El Tesoro Director, Tanner Rohne

2 Compass Spring 2015

Zem

Universal Pre-K Study

Key findings: n

There will be negative impacts on the financial stability of child care programs. 80% of child care centers reported an impact on the financial stability of their program and 18% of all providers reported that without the 4-yearolds in their program, they are likely to close. One respondent shared, “My income will decrease at least 50% next year. This year it decreased 20%.”

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The quality of child care programs is likely to decrease as a result. 46% reported they would need to increase child-to-teacher ratios to mediate lost revenue and 54% anticipate changes in the quality of their program. “Lack of that (pre-k) income would prohibit additional spending in staff training, equipment and materials,” shared one survey respondent.

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Tuition costs will rise for those still enrolled or the costs per-child will increase for the classrooms serving children age 0 – 3.

85% reported that UPK will have an impact on per-child operating costs and to mitigate the loss 53% reported they would need to raise tuition for the younger, already more costly, age groups.

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There is confusion atlarge about the difference between universal pre-k programs and the traditional “at-risk” pre-k program. 95% of centers thought universal pre-k applied only to those who meet the “at-risk” criteria and 55% of home-based programs were unaware of the FWISD’s universal pre-k plans.

On March 24, a panel of experts on universal pre-k spoke to a standing-room only crowd to share Camp Fire First Texas’ findings from a four-month study on the unintended impact of implementing universal pre-k in FWISD. This micro-study is the first of its kind to research the economic and quality issues that arise when programs, such as this, are implemented on a broad scale in a metropolitan community.

Findings offer insights and recommendations to other communities interested in implementing a public schoolbased universal pre-k plan that removes 4-year-olds from the larger child care system.

“For every action, there are effects of that action – and sometimes unintended consequences. We commissioned this study to learn what the effects of universal pre-k could be and use these findings to inform decisions and start a dialog about how to work together to support children and families,” said Lyn Lucas, work family vice president.

“What we don’t want to see as a result of this study is a negative perception of the value of pre-k programs or those who are working to implement them,” said Lucas. “We know that for every $1 spent on quality early childhood programs, a 7% return is seen. We hope this study provides awareness for Fort Worth, and any community Rachel Leventon, CNM Connect Consultant and researcher; Lyn venturing down this path, to Lucas, Camp Fire Vice President of work family division; Joseph apply the recommendations to: Monteleone, Executive Director of the Morris Foundation seek opportunities to increase public/private partnerships; improve the communication between the public school districts and private, local child care providers and work on legislation that allows increased subsidy reimbursement (CCMS) to quality programs serving the 0-3 age groups while also increasing the number of CCMS spaces for these age groups.”

The full study and an executive summary can be found at CampFireFW.org.

Compass Spring 2015 3

Spring 2015

Summer Highlights

Summer Adventures

From day camps to overnight camps and specialty programs, Camp Fire Summer Camps provide an active adventure for campers age 4 – 16. Each program is created to light a spark of interest and provide opportunities for youth to create positive connections to nature, one another and discover their own talents

TCU Summer Day Camp Sessions run July 6 August 7 and include topics like astronomy, GPS, outdoor living, birds and wildflowers.

Two sessions daily 9 a.m - Noon & 1 - 4 p.m.

Ages 6 - 14

Nature Day Camp Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro Monday - Friday, June 1 - July 24 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. $165 per week, $25 optional overnight Entering K-5 grade Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro, Granbury

rounded experience.

July 19 - 24 Campers entering 4th - 10th grades

Camp Fire Day Camp Parker County Monday - Friday, June 8 - August 14 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. $140 per week, multi-child discounts Campers entering K - 8th grade Vandagriff Elementary, Aledo

Overnight Camp Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro Camp El T esoro spans 223-acres where the Brazos River meets Fall Creek.

Traditional Overnight Camp camp includes everything from archery to zip lines!

4-Day, 6-Day and 13-Day Sessions June 7 - July 24 Inclusion program available Campers entering 1st - 10th grades

Equestrian Overnight Camp Camp Fire Day Camp Diamond Hill Station Monday - Friday, June 10 - August 14 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. $80 per week, multiple-child discount & scholarships available Ages 4 - 12 4 Compass Spring 2015

Mornings full of riding, horse care and barn studies with plenty of time in the afternoon full of traditional camp activities to give campers a well-

Camp Fire El Tesoro de la Vida Camp for children who have experienced the death of a loved one July 26 - August 1 Campers entering 1st - 11th grades Application required More information on our summer camps is available online or by calling 817-831-2111.

An Absolutely Incredible

Graduation Story A small elementary-aged girl runs over to the table and starts playing with her clay figurines.

“Hi Thomas,” she says. She’s excited he’s here.

“Hello Alexandra,” Thomas says. He notes, “Her sister is my date to prom.” A bright, wide smile creeps across his face.

Thomas Jefferson is attending the Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School prom for the last time. He’s finally a senior.

But Thomas has a lot more to be smiling about than just prom. He is a TCU Class of 2019 Community Scholars Award recipient; a prestigious scholarship worth $200,000 that will cover tuition, fees, books, room and board.

Thomas first came to Camp Fire when he was four-years-old, spending most of his time at Diamond Hill Station with his aunt, Mecole Darden, who is the program director. “Camp Fire is my happiness,” Thomas describes. “It’s like the peak of the roller coaster in my life.”

From an early age, Mecole cared for Thomas because he was one of seven children living in a neglectful home. At age six, Thomas was removed from his home and placed in foster care until Mecole was able to adopt him at age nine. She too, credits Camp Fire as being a huge contributing factor in Thomas’ life because it’s taught her how to be a great mentor.

“Camp Fire has been a great part of his life. I don’t think without this place and the training I go through I could be a mentor to him and other kids. Being here and being a part of the Camp Fire family and having support from all of my coworkers has changed his life. He grew up here.”

Although he endured a childhood full of instability and uncertainty, Thomas can walk across the stage with at least one assurance – he’s going to Texas Christian University in the fall, for free.

After completing a lengthy and stressful application for the scholarship last October, when Thomas finally got the news he was thrilled.

“We cried. I couldn’t even call Mecole to tell her because I was crying. My friend had to call and give her the news,” Thomas said.

Mecole was at work when her phone rang, shortly after 10:30 am.

“We were so nervous about it that morning. The clock was just ticking. Every minute I was just watching,” Mecole said.

“When I got the phone call I just fell out. I just cried – I was super excited.”

Mecole told Thomas how proud she was of him for achieving his dream. “He couldn’t even respond he was so choked up.”

When Thomas signed the scholarship acceptance letter, he knew his dreams of becoming a pediatric nurse were finally turning into reality. For one of his essay responses in the application, Thomas cited “giving back” as the most important thing in his life.

“I’m not really doing this scholarship for me,” Thomas said.

“I’m doing this so I can have a good career so I can adopt my younger siblings that live with other family members.”

Continued on page 6

Compass Spring 2015 5

Graduation, from page 5

Thomas is only able to keep in contact with two of his six siblings – the other four siblings in foster care have already been adopted, and he won’t be able to contact them until they are 18. But that doesn’t stop him from making family his priority.

“I want to have a house that me and my two sisters can all live in together,” Thomas explained. “When I’m a senior graduating from TCU, my youngest sister is going to be in the second grade, and my other younger sister is going to be in the seventh grade. That’s my goal – to have them live with me and take care of them.

I want them to be successful and hopefully get them the same scholarship I got.”

Mecole couldn’t be more approving of Thomas’ goals.

After hearing people express doubts throughout his life about his ability to overcome his situation, Mecole is proud to say Thomas did not become another “statistic”.

“I am overjoyed that he would want to take on that responsibility. Just the fact that it doesn’t stop with him being successful or just looking out for himself - I think he’s selfless for thinking that way. That makes me so proud.”

While Thomas certainly has a heart and mind beyond his years, he definitely still carries the qualities of a young man embarking on a new adventure at a university.

Camp Fire and BRIT: Creating Lasting Change Over Spring Break More than 40 Agents of Change from BRIT’s Green Revolution program spent four days and nights at Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro during this year’s spring break. This is the second year the Green Revolution chose to meet at camp. Together, leadership from these two programs provide an opportunity for growth in environmental science and leadership for underserved 6th – 11th grade students who do not often have access to these opportunities.

In the four days, the team challenged the youth and touched each aspect of Camp Fire’s Thriveology by identifying sparks, instilling a growth mindset, providing opportunities for reflection and building goal management skills. “{Camp Director} Tanner embraced the opportunity to meet the agents at their level and challenge them to meet new goals through every aspect of camp life,” explained Christina Middlebrook, BRIT’s Green Revolution Director. She added thanks to Tanner for implementing a camp experience that both captivated and propelled students to the next level.

“I know what I really want in my dorm, but Mecole doesn’t approve. She thinks I’ll be too busy studying,” Thomas laughed. “I really, really want a PS4.”

After joking about what kind of dorm he will have (and how he will decorate it), discussing his nervousness towards making new friends and confidently stating he knows he will be successful in his classes – it’s easy to see why others describe him as outgoing and joyful.

As for the PS4? “That mother part of me is still thinking school and academics. He’s trying to convince me that it can help him with his studies and his social life, but I’m not buying that,” Mecole joked.

Community Spotlight With so many partners that help make camp a success, we wanted to turn our attention to one supporter in particular. Each year, Camp Fire First Texas hosts the Camp Fire El Tesoro de la Vida Dinner, which supports grieving children from across the North Texas area. For three years, Cotton Patch Café has been a devoted partner of the dinner, and this year is no different. David Pettigrew and his team donated 100% of the food to the dinner which greatly reduces expenses for the event. This allows us to provide more camperships each year.

This year, Cotton Patch Café took their support to a new level by hosting fundraisers at their Hulen Street location. By donating 5% of sales on four select nights, they helped to financially support the program as well as raise awareness for Camp Fire.

We are proud to partner with strong community supporters like Cotton Patch Café.

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Celebration of Child Care Champions Welcomes Keynote: National Geographic Young Explorer Celebration of Child Care Champions awards dinner recognizes early childhood professionals who play a vital role in the development of thousands of area children age birth to five.

This year’s event centered on the importance of encouraging youth to pursue curiosity, explore their surroundings and translate passion into the classroom.

National Geographic Young Explorer and geothermal mastermind, Andrès Ruzo, keynoted the event. He is a Ph.D. candidate in in geophysics at Southern Methodist University. When he’s not in the classroom, you can find him on nationally-aired commercials, NatGeo magazines, online media outlets and TEDx talks. But if you ask Ruzo where he would rather be, he would give one answer - the Amazon.

Ruzo’s spark is “being in nature,” but he takes it to the next level. Instead of just using his spark for his own joy, he uses it to bring joy to others.

So why would a volcanologist and geothermal scientist would be interested in helping youth? An encounter with a passionate group of students changed his life forever.

Andrès Ruzo

“I think kids have more power than anyone, anyone, realizes,” Ruzo said. “Kids have this incredible ability to absorb knowledge and make it their own – make it personal.”

2015 Excellence in Child Care Awardees

Ruzo credits his mother for helping his success – naming her his childhood spark champion.

Administrator of the Year

His advice for youth – never lose your curiosity, and don’t ever be afraid to talk to your parents, or your spark champion.

Family Child Care Provider of the Year

“One of the things that I’ve always valued my parents for is they always told me that I needed to be better than them. That mentality is golden. If you’re trying to raise someone better than you, that means the world you’re leaving behind is better than the one you found - the kids can’t do it alone, we can’t do it alone, so it has to be the community.”

Shelly Sender

Tonia Edwards

Teacher of the Year

Young Professional of the Year

Dionna Rucker

Phyllis Jack Moore Professional Development Award

Stacy Benge

Teresa Spiller

2015 Awardees L to R: Teresa Spiller, Stacy Benge, Shelly Sender, Dionna Rucker and Tonia Edwards

Compass Spring 2015 7

Celebrating As a child, Lydia Goetz was involved with Camp Fire clubs from second through twelfth grade, attended Camp El Tesoro for seven summers, was a CIT for two summers, and was on the El Tesoro staff for seven additional summers.

She feels as though growing up in Camp Fire programs shaped her into the person she is today. Lydia’s mother was also involved with Camp Fire as a volunteer and Lydia’s sister attended camp for several years.

Milestone Years of

Lydia Goetz

Lydia has been employed with Camp Fire for twenty years holding several positions within the council. After her time working as camp staff, Lydia was a District Director and then promoted to Assistant Executive Director of the Club Program. After a hiatus to complete her doctorate degree in forestry, Lydia returned in 1995 as an Outdoor Program Director before accepting her current position, Outdoor Program Registrar. She has seen many changes throughout her tenure such as the renovations at camp and expansion of the Resource Center.

“I work here because of what I experienced [in the programs] when I was younger” and “Camp Fire is part of my life,” explained Lydia of her tenure.

Service

Susanne Brown is one of five generations that have been involved with Camp Fire, beginning with her grandparents who were Gulick Award recipients.

Susanne, as well as her grandmother and mother, were in Camp Fire clubs as children and then went on to be club leaders. Susanne’s daughter was also involved with Camp Fire clubs as a child and Susanne’s granddaughter Susanne Brown attends Camp El Tesoro. Some of Susanne’s fondest memories of growing up in Camp Fire are her experiences at camp as well as celebrating Camp Fire’s 50th anniversary.

In 1984 Susanne began volunteering with Camp Fire as a Club Leader. She has also been an Outdoor Trainer, Day Camp Director, Chair of the Mid-Cities District Outdoor Committee, District Chair, and was on the Board of Directors. She was first employed in the position of Candy Sale and Fun Run Coordinator. She was then promoted to the position of Office Administrator in the Child Development Center before accepting her current position, Program Services Manager.

Susanne says that the reason she has stayed at Camp Fire for twenty-five years is because she believes in philosophy of the organization and because Camp Fire is like home and is where her friends and family are.

Cardboard Boat Regatta a Highlight for After School Youth On April 25, two teams from Camp Fire After School programs representing Diamond Hill and DeZavala Elementary school programs entered the River Legacy Cardboard Boat Regatta hosted at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. The DeZavala team won their race and made it to the semi-finals! The youth are encouraged by the progress from last year and are looking forward to next year’s competition.

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Contributors September 11, 2014 through February 28, 2015 INDIVIDUALS Mr. and Mrs. Glenn A. Adams Mr. and Mrs. Charles Akers Mr. and Mrs. Robert O. Almond Ms. Barbara J. Anderson Anonymous Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. John Augustat Lisa Austin Kathleen and D.R. Bales Mrs. Pam Ball Ms. Jennifer N. Bannister Mr. and Mrs. Jim Barber Ms. Michele Barrow Mrs. JoAnn Baskin Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Jeanna Bassett Mr. Todd Batiste Mr. Michael R. Baylor Mr. Hutch Beach Mr. George W. Bean, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Louis Begin Ms. Lou Ann Bell-Burke Mr. Chuck Bettinger Mr. Turner Bettis Mr. and Mrs. Prichard Bevis Ms. Debra Bickel Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Black Mrs. Lea Ann Blum Mr. and Mrs. Sean Bolton Mrs. Evelyn H. Breaux Ms. Bridget Brewer Ms. Deanna Brice Ms. Pamela Brocato Brianna Broussard Susanne Brown Trish Bull Ms. Blanca Elena Burciaga Ms. Marylane T. Burry Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Cain Ms. Denise Callahan Ms. Natasha Cannon Ms. Leticia M. Caraveo Mr. Tommy Carter Louise Britt Carvey Mr. Watt M. Casey, Jr. Deborah Cathey Ms. Ann Lindsey Chambers Marie and Brandon Chase Skyla Claxton Mr. and Mrs. Chad Cline Cindy Clines Mr. Christopher G. Coates Mr. and Mrs. Don Collins Mr. Steve M. Connolly Barbara and King Cook Darlene R. Cook Lisa A. Cook Mr. and Mrs. Danny Corbeille Mr. Phil Cormies Malinda Murphey Cowan Ms. Wendy Cowan Ms. Erin Cox Ms. Kathy L. Cox Ms. Tammy L. Coyne Ms. Peggy Jean Craft Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie G. Crain Mr. and Mrs. Jerry W. Cranford Nikki Roe Cropp Mr. and Mrs. Allen Crumley Mr. and Mrs. Winfield Crumley Mr. and Mrs. Dan Custred Ms. Carlene Dailey Mrs. Debra Daniel Mecole Darden Elizabeth Darling Mr. Douglas Davidson Jamie Davis and Cory Simpson Mr. Travis Davis Mr. and Mrs. William S. Davis Mr. and Mrs. John Henry Dean III

Mr. and Mrs. Russell Dean Kelly and Richard DeBerry Ms. Karol Genovese Del Real Ms. Diane Delabano Ms. Becky Delaune Ms. Karen Denney Ms. Dawn DeWall Kimberly and Joseph DeWoody Mr. and Mrs. Michael DeWoody Mrs. Frederica Dieterich Virginia Clay Dorman Dr. and Mrs. Gary L. Douglas Mr. and Mrs. David Dozier Mr. Joseph Dozier Ms. Karen Genovese Dozier Mrs. Nancy Dozier Mr. and Mrs. James R. Dunaway, Jr. Resa Dunkin Drs. Nancy H. and Danny L. Dunn Wendy E. Dunn Donna Dutton Mr. and Mrs. Keith M. Easton Mrs. Becka Elbert Mr. and Mrs. John S. Elliott Donna Elton and Tom Smith Leigh Ann Emerson Lisa and Bruce Epps Ms. Beverly A. Erby Mr. and Mrs. AJ Esquivel Ms. Amanda Esquivel Mrs. Catherine Bernell Estrada Mrs. Olivia Eudaly Mr. Jacob Fain Ms. Patricia Feekin Patty L. and Richard K. Fenoglio Mr. and Mrs. S.K. Ferguson Sylvia and Pat Fisher Mr. Harrison Ford Mr. and Mrs. Dave Foster Mrs. Karen C. Fraser Mr. Greg French Mr. and Mrs. Dan Freundlich Mr. Len Fuller Mrs. Beth Buchanan Fultz Mrs. Missy E. Gale Mr. Robert Gamblin Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Garman Patrick and Laurie Garner Mr. and Mrs. Richard Garvey Kathryn Gearld Mrs. Bernardine Gehle Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Gerstenmaier Maren Gibbs Marilyn Gilbert Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Giles Ms. Barbara Glover Samuel S. Gnanamanickam and Beulah J. Samuel Lydia A. Goetz Mr. and Mrs. Harry Goolsby Ms. Susybelle L. Gosslee Mrs. Susan J. Green Mr. and Mrs. Sean Greene Mr. and Mrs. Denis R. Greer Dr. Adelaide Griffin Mr. Kenneth D. Grundborg Mr. and Mrs. Steve Guess Ms. Kay Gunn Mrs. Norma L. Gutierrez David and Lauri Curtis Hadobas Mr. and Mrs. Lee Roy Hahnfeld Michele and Eric Hahnfeld Ms. Alisha Hall Ms. Kristine A. Hall Wendy Hallgren Dorothy and Gary Hames Terry and Harry Haney Mr. and Mrs. Dan Hansen Mrs. Martha Hansen Debra Hanus Mr. and Mrs. Leo Hanus

Mr. Brennen Harris Mrs. Ellen R. Harris Mrs. Lynn G. Harris Mr. and Mrs. Bob Hart Ms. Donna Hathcock Brenda Hay Mr. and Mrs. Steve Heinen Mr. Ben Hicks Mrs. Julie A. Hinton Mrs. Karen Hirst Ms. Molly Holden Mr. and Mrs. Barney Holland Terri and Rich Hollander Ms. Nancy Hooper Ms. Betts Hoover Ms. Cynthia Horn Ms. Janice Howe Sandra and Allan Howeth Ms. Alisha K. Hudman Ms. Michelle Hughes Mrs. Evey Hull Ms. Lisa Hull Ms. Deloris Hummel Ms. Julie Hunter Mr. Phillip Hutchings Mrs. Debra E. Hutto Ms. Nina Hutton Ms. Cari L. Hyden Mrs. Jayme Rasmusen Isenberg Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Isgur Phyllis Jack Moore and Bob Moore Ms. Connie Jackson Ms. Cynthia Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Roger M. Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Jake Jacobson Angela and Kirby Jacobson Ms. Janis K. Janes Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Jasper Diane Lochtrog Johnson Nell and Herbert Johnson Ms. Natalie Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Johnston Christy R. Jones Mrs. Nancy E. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Judsen Mr. and Mrs. Howard Katz David Kazdan and Laura Gooch Ms. Jackie Keefer Mr. and Mrs. Byron L. Keil Ms. Angela Hastings Dr. Allan R. Kelly Dr. Nancy R. Kelly Thomas H. Kendall and Alice Rodriguez Connie D. King Wendy King Mr. Merritt C. Kirk, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. William Kirtley Ms. Toni Shiffer Kisielewski Mrs. Shannon Kizer Ms. Nina Knight Mr. Jeffrey Kratz Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Kresge Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Lampe Mr. and Mrs. Tim Landon Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Lange Mrs. Marilyn Russey Latting Ginger and Mack Lawhon Cathy and Michael Lawshe Elena Leal Ms. Erma Lee Mr. and Mrs. Michael Leighty Mrs. Christy Livingstone Debra Lochtrog and Bill Carrell Mr. and Mrs. Chris Lokey Ms. Wilma J. Lopez Dr. and Mrs. Richard P. Lord Mrs. Jimmie Lord Lyn and Brad Lucas Mrs. Carol Maness Mr. Bob Martin Mr. and Mrs. Brant C. Martin

Mrs. Marilyn Mason Rosie Mauk Ms. Brenda Maxwell Mr. Matt Maxwell Dr. and Mrs. William W. Maxwell, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Tim Mayes Mr. and Mrs. Ted DeWitt Mayo III Mr. Victor McCall Mr. John A. McCauley Ms. Laura McCleskey Mr. and Mrs. David McClure Ms. Barbara H. McColm Mrs. Andrea M. McCord Mr. and Mrs. Bill McCoy Erin and Jason McDonald Mr. Todd McEvoy Pat McLaughlin Mr. and Mrs. Paul Meador Mr. and Mrs. John Q. Melcher Mrs. Jennifer Melson Mrs. Carrie E. Meyer Mr. and Mrs. Darryl Miao Ms. Sue Milam Ms. Allison Milburn Ms. Allison L. Miller Laura and Tod Miller Mrs. Wanda E. Minshew Mr. and Mrs. Don Mitchell Miss Mayden Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Mitchell Sara and Vernon Mitchell Cheryl Y. Mixon Ms. Cathy Moates Mr. and Mrs. John Mollison Kay West and John Molyneaux Mr. and Mrs. Bob Moore Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Moore Mr. and Mrs. Fred Moore Ms. Wendy M. Moore Mr. Manuel Moreno Mr. and Mrs. Steve Moroneso Ms. Carolann Morris Ms. Christie Mosley-Eckler Mr. and Mrs. James Motheral Ms. Margaret A. Muir Mr. and Mrs. Rick Muller Mr. Brian L. Murnahan Mrs. Roxane C. Murph Dr. and Mrs. Willis H. Murphey, Jr. Ludi Navarro Ms. Danielle E. Needham Janet and Bill Neff Zem Neill Mrs. Diane Simms Newsom Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Nixon Mr. and Mrs. K.K. Noel Olga Nowlan Ms. Susan K. Oakley Ms. Stephanie Oelkers Mrs. Rita V. O’Farrell Ms. Nikki Ordonez Mr. and Mrs Ismael Ortega Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. O’Toole Sylvia and Donald Otto Mr. and Mrs. Walter Paquette Ms. Elaine Parr Ms. Pualani Patino Mrs. Laura Rakoover Peitzer Shannon L. Pena Ms. Paula Perrone Mr. and Mrs. Doug Perry Ms. Kendal Perryman Dr. Carl Pflug Dr. Brit Phillips Becca Pickern Stacey and Brian Pierce Mrs. Karen Pillers Mr. and Mrs. John Pingenot Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pooler Mrs. Deborah Ellison Powell Ms. Alice Pritchard

Compass Spring 2015 9

2015 Contributors continued Mr. and Mrs. Judd Pritchard Mr. and Mrs. Bob Pucel Mr. and Mrs. Tom Quinn Ms. Dana Cummings Quisenberry Ms. Janet Quisenberry Linda Ramoz Ms. Julie Ray Ms. Misty K. Ray Mr. and Mrs. Bill Read Mrs. Brooke Reimer Ms. Maurie Reynolds Prerna Richards Evie and Barry Richardson Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Rinn Mr. and Mrs. Josh Robertson Mick Robinson Mr. Fritz Roessler Mr. Dale Rogers Drs. Audrey and Jeffrey Rogers Mr. Josh Rogers Mr. and Mrs. William Rose, Jr. Ms. Suzie Russell Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Sanders

Ms. Jane Swan Mr. and Mrs. Michael Teagarden Sam Teagarden Dr. and Mrs. David E. Teitelbaum Mr. Bryan Thomas LaNitria N. Thomas-Simien Mr. and Mrs. John G. Thornhill Lynda and Eric Tiedtke Mr. and Mrs. John Timinsky Mrs. Jan Titsworth Mr. and Mrs. Terry Topey Lydia Tovar Ms. LuAnn Traylor Ms. Brenda Triana Ms. Barbara S. Turner Ms. Nancy Turner Rev. Cyndy Twedell and Mr. Jack Twedell Ms. Traci Uncel Mr. and Mrs. David A. Urbel Mrs. Triste Vasquez-White Ms. Patricia A. Vaughan Mr. Vaughn Vennerberg Mrs. Vicki Vinson

Communities Foundation of Texas Community Foundation of North Texas Toolbox Grant Concrete Colors of Texas Cotton Patch Cafe H.R. Crawford Fund of Fidelity Charitable Gift Funds W. N. Dabney Charitable Trust The Dallas Foundation Dallas Ft. Worth SECC Dean, Jacobson Financial Services, LLC Delta Steel DOCUmation of North Texas DuBose Family Foundation Winn-Dunaway Family Foundation, Inc. Carol and Jim Dunaway A. J. & Jessie Duncan Foundation Eddleman-McFarland Fund Educational First Steps First Rate Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce Fort Worth Police Officers Association FTS International Services LLC

Harold Simmons Foundation Sportsmen’s Club of Fort Worth Stein Family Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee Texas Christian University Texas Health Resources Texas Jet Tiedtke Marketing Group, Inc. Tom Thumb Good Neighbor Program Elizabeth Toon Charities UltraCamp Foundation Union Pacific Foundation United Cooperative Services United Way of Central New Mexico United Way of Hood County United Way of Tarrant County United Way of Tri-State United Way Suncoast Waxahachie Rebekah Lodge #381 The Gil and Dody Weaver Foundation Windmiller Properties, LLC The George and Fay Young Foundation, Inc

Mr. and Mrs. Jon Scarborough Mr. and Mrs. Roland P. Schafer Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Schaffer Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Schattman Mr. Gerard J. Schlegel Ms. Bonnie L. Schuler Ms. Becky Scoggins Ms. Heather Scoggins Hortencia Serna Ms. Sheryl Sewell Jack and Pat Shannon Ms. Terry Haun Shaw Mr. Eric Shearman Ann and Jim Sheets Mr. and Mrs. Bill Shelton Ms. Bridget Shelton Mr. and Mrs. Scott R. Shelton Mr. Richard L. Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Sheridan Mrs. Pamela S. Sherlock Mrs. Jackie Shrode Mr. and Mrs. Grady Shropshire Mr. and Mrs. Martin Siegel Mr. Brian Singleton Ms. Pamela Skates Mr. Brent Skrehart Mr. Brooks Smith Mrs. Carrie L. Smith Mrs. Mary Anne J. Smith Ms. Susan Lucky Smith Mr. and Mrs. Steve R. Snow Ms. Rita M. Soto Mr. Robert Soules Mr. and Mrs. Phil T. Southall Caitlin Speck Teresa Spiller Mr. and Mrs. Drew Springer Dr. Tana Staffel Mr. George E. Steen Mr. and Mrs. Scott Steffler Mr. David Steinbach Mike and Mary Jane Stephenson Mrs. Kelly Stewart Chris Stillo Verna K. Straiton Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Strong Ms. Lorraine Strowd Ms. Emily Sullivan

Mr. and Mrs. Jared Vitemb Mr. and Mrs. Michael Voelkering Mrs. Lisa Waldron Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Walter Ms. Elizabeth A. Watson Ms. Karen Watson Ms. Carolyn Waund Kristi Wedge Mr. and Mrs. Mark Welborn Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wemhoener Mrs. Lori R. West Mr. and Mrs. Douglas A. White DeVonna L. Wicks Ms. Deborah Wilkinson Mrs. Amy Williams Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Willis Mr. and Mrs. Larry Wilson Dorothy Wing Leah Wingard Drenda and John Witt Mr. and Mrs. Troy Woody Kathy Wymer Mr. and Mrs. Jake Yarbrough Mr. Aaron Young Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Young Deanna Zelaya

Garvey Texas Foundation, Inc. Genius House Media Vincent Genovese Memorial Foundation Global Prairie Haltom’s Jewelers Haynes and Boone, LLP Paul S. Hollis Trust The M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation Nina C. Hutton Charitable Fund in the Schwab Charitable Fund Imagetek Office Systems Jetta Operating Company, Inc. JPMorgan Chase Bank JPS Foundation Ben E. Keith Foods Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation Kroger Community Rewards Lakeshore Learning Materials Mary Potishman Lard Trust Law Office of Mark Lane Lee Financial Corporation Liberty Bank LMEPAC Charity Match Program Lockheed Martin AERO Club Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Loyalty Class, First United Methodist Church Ella C. McFadden Charitable Trust of the Community Foundation of North Texas The Meadows Foundation Midtex Aviation, LLC The Morris Foundation Pier 1 Imports Rainwater Charitable Foundation The Rees-Jones Foundation Republic Title of Texas, Inc. RGK Foundation Sid W. Richardson Foundation RMP Industrial Supply, Inc The Roach Foundation Rogers Wealth Group, Inc. Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P. Sabre Silicon Valley Community Foundation William E. Scott Foundation Shell Oil Company Foundation Sid Richardson Carbon, Ltd.

HONORARIUMS Charles Akers Jerri O. Akers Dale Bell Sheri and Doug Willis Alicia Boughton Donna Dutton Caitlin Boughton Donna Dutton Steve Connolly First Rate Shirley Dean Mr. and Mrs. William S. Davis Carol Dunaway Mr. and Mrs. William S. Davis Wendy E. Dunn Drs. Nancy H. and Danny L. Dunn Andy Dunn Drs. Nancy H. and Danny L. Dunn Wendy E. Dunn Janice Finley Mrs. Kelly Stewart Kimberly Greer Fresch Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Giles Dela Greene Mrs. Diane Simms Newsom Debra Hanus Mr. and Mrs. Leo Hanus Diane Lochtrog Johnson Debra Lochtrog and Bill Carrell Mrs. Vicki Vinson Joan Katz Ms. Alisha K. Hudman Mr. Howard Katz Kathleen Crawford Lane H.R. Crawford Cathy and Michael Lawshe Erin and Jason McDonald Adelaide Leavens Mr. and Mrs. K.K. Noel Eureatha Lee Ms. Erma Lee Jean Lochtrog Debra Lochtrog and Bill Carrell Naomi Lord Mrs. Deborah Ellison Powell Jessica Mason Mrs. Marilyn Mason

10 Compass Spring 2015

CORPORATIONS / ORGANIZATIONS Albertson’s Community Partners Program AllianceTexas - A Development of Hillwood Amazon Smile Paul E. Andrews, Jr. Foundation Anonymous Anonymous AT&T Bank of America Charitable Foundation Best Facility Services Birdies For Charity, Colonial Country Club Charities of the Community Foundation of North Texas BNSF Railway Company Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation Bright Horizons, Baylor All Saints Child Care & Preschool BSCO, Inc. Colonial Country Club Charities

Erin McDonald Ms. Rita M. Soto Jean McMullan Ann and Jim Sheets Ladye Ann Miller Mr. and Mrs. William S. Davis Tod Miller Laura Miller Ms. Cathy Moates Mrs. Jackie Shrode Zem Neill, for 36 years of magnificent leadership!

Sylvia and Pat Fisher Zem Neill - Happy Retirement!

Patrick and Laurie Garner Zem Neill, for her decades of service Bill McCoy Zem Neill Susan and David Bucher Louise Britt Carvey Mrs. Missy E. Gale Mr. and Mrs. William Kirtley Ms. Barbara H. McColm Mrs. Jennifer Melson Vincent Genovese Memorial Foundation Bettye Newman Mrs. Stacey Pierce Patty Penn Mr. and Mrs. Louis Begin Pam and Reed Pigman Mr. and Mrs. William Rose, Jr. Dr. Jimmi L.V. Prickett’s 80th Birthday!

Mr. and Mrs. David McClure Evie Richardson Mrs. Catherine Bernell Estrada Mr. and Mrs. Scott Steffler Brenda and John Shawen, celebrating their 50th Anniversary!

Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie G. Crain Ann Sheets, for her decades of service Bill McCoy Ann Sheets Vincent Genovese Memorial Foundation Linda Springer Mrs. Lea Ann Blum Ms. Diane Delabano Mr. Ben Hicks Mrs. Wanda E. Minshew Ms. Suzie Russell Rachel Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Larry Wilson Dorothy Wing Ms. Becky Delaune

Liz Cowles, my Camp Fire Leader, Dallas Kelly and Richard DeBerry Eugene J. Dozier Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Helen Emerson Zem Neill Ann and Jim Sheets Robert Clyde Findlay Zem Neill Betty Bean Folmar Ms. Ruth Ross Stephanie R. Fuller Mr. Len Fuller Jordan Elizabeth Harris Mrs. Ellen R. Harris Anne Holland Weldon B. Hatch III Leigh Ann Emerson Donna Hathcock Midtex Aviation, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Don Mitchell Zem Neill Ann and Jim Sheets Rick L. Shepherd Waxahachie Rebekah Lodge #381 Dorothy Wing Louisa Haun Mr. and Mrs. David Dozier Mrs. Nancy Dozier Ms. Paula Perrone, Kim and Kelly Ms. Alice Pritchard Ms. Terry Haun Shaw Mary Livengood Ms. Ann Lindsey Chambers Janelle Milburn, Camp Fire Group Leader Mrs. Carol Maness Ms. Allison Milburn Dr. Charles P. O’Farrell Ms. Lou Ann Bell-Burke Susan and David Bucher Ms. Marylane T. Burry Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Gerstenmaier Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Kresge Zem Neill Mrs. Rita V. O’Farrell Dr. Carl Pflug Sid Richardson Carbon, Ltd. Dr. Tana Staffel Misty Parker Ms. Carolann Morris Cade Penn Mr. and Mrs. Louis Begin Janet Rasmusen Mrs. Jayme Rasmusen Isenberg

Susanne Brown Susan and David Bucher Communities Foundation of Texas Lisa A. Cook Joe & Jessie Crump Crippled Children Fund James and Dorothy Doss Foundation Joyce and Billie Ellis Donna Elton and Tom Smith Fash Foundation The Dorothy Gaines Foundation Ronald Garriques Dolores Garza Vincent Genovese Memorial Foundation Sandra and Allan Howeth Diane Lochtrog Johnson Susan and Kenneth Leiber Lockheed Martin AERO Club J. E. & L. E. Mabee Foundation McAfee Matching Gifts Program Pati and Bill Meadows Jackie and Jon Means Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation Laura and Tod Miller Molyneaux Charitable Foundation Zem Neill Elaine and Timothy Petrus Howard E. Rachofsky Ruth Ross Ann and Jim Sheets Sportsmen’s Club of Fort Worth Kellee and Robert Thigpen Ward Veale Crystelle Waggoner Charitable Trust Sonia Williams

MEMORIALS Nel E. Bannister, Club Leader FW Ms. Jennifer N. Bannister Jane Buchanan, Mom and Camp Fire Leader, Oklahoma City 1960s Mrs. Beth Buchanan Fultz William R. Martin Zem Neill Ann and Jim Sheets Eileen Dorothy Aaron Coleman Rebecca and Randy Barron Joyce and Billie Ellis Zem Neill Howard E. Rachofsky Ann and Jim Sheets Sonia Williams

Letha Smelser, Camp Fire Leader 196466 Ms. Brenda Hay Judy Davis Tiedtke Ms. Kristine A. Hall Gavin Frank Watson-Darley Ms. Deborah Wilkinson

Erica Connolly Tommy Conway’s Cowboy Up, LLC Cook Children’s Medical Center - Trauma Dept.

Cotton Patch Café Cowtown Bowling Palace Mary Cranford Malinda Crumley Jayne Custred DFW North Texas Child Magazine Dallas Stars Karol Genovese Del Real Karen Genovese Dozier Eyewear by Dietz Facelogic - Fort Worth Fort Worth Billiards

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Paul E. Andrews, Jr. Foundation Anonymous Kathleen and D.R. Bales Karen and Kenneth L. Barr Rebecca and Randy Barron Rick Bertel Jill and Todd Boydston

GIFTS IN KIND AllianceTexas - A Development of Hillwood Amphibian Stage Productions AT&T BB63 Salon Betty Jane’s at LoneStar Antiques Bikram Yoga Fort Worth Blue Mesa Grill BRAVO! Cucina Italiana Pam Brocato Jake Calloway The Capital Grille Leticia Caraveo Paul Carter Central Market Amanda Chaney The Cheesecake Factory Chick-Fil-A

Fort Worth Fire Department Fort Worth Museum of Science and History Fort Worth Star Telegram Fort Worth Zoo Francesca’s - University Place Global Prairie Goldwaves Salon Barbara and Denis Greer David Hira Kathy Huerta INDULGE Luxury Magazine Nell and Herbert Johnson Kaplan Early Learning Company KidKraft, L.P. Kroger Lakeshore Learning Materials Teresa and Tim Landon M.L. Leddy’s Lemongrass Aveda Lifestyle Salon LKCM Radio Group, LP (95.9 The Ranch) Lost Oak Winery Benita Manning Mason & Dixie Maverick Fine Western Wear Erin McDonald Mary Anne McKenzie Med Spa at Seena One Laura and Tod Miller Pam Mooney Noles Enterprises Nothing Bundt Cakes - Southlake NRH2O P.S. The Letter Peacock Alley Elise Porras Premier Eye Care PT Fitness Raising Cane’s Chicken Rawhide N Roses Razoo’s Cajun Café Razzle Baby, Inc. Ridglea Watch & Jewelry Ruby Grace’s at LoneStar Antiques Scarborough Renaissance Festival Kendra Scott The Shabby Y at LoneStar Antiques Ann Sheets Scott Shirley Silver Leaf Six Flags Sally and Steve Snow Sodexo Katlin Southall Southern Star Aviation

Shelly Spikes The Squire Shop Texas Pain & Wellness Chiropractic Texas Roadhouse Christi Thornhill Total Wine & More Trader Joe’s Walmart Supercenter in Graham The Warm Place Melinda Weaver

Compass Spring 2015 11

Camp Fire First Texas 2700 Meacham Blvd.

Fort Worth, Texas 76137-4699 CampFireFW.org

Non-profit org.

US Postage PAID Fort Worth, TX Permit 2480

Change Service Requested

Our Promise Young people want to shape the world.

Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are.

In Camp Fire, it begins now.

Light the fire within

When finished with Compass, please pass along or recycle responsibly.

Help Fill Sam’s Can! Sam is a 6 year old boy. He loves running, fishing, canoeing, exploring… and Sam loves Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro. He loves camp so much, that he made the decision to help another child attend camp.

I think everyone should be able to go to camp, especially if it is El Tesoro!

- Sam, age 6

Sam worked hard and saved, and saved until he had $13 in his coffee can. He was so proud of his accomplishment that he couldn’t wait to donate it to the campership fund. Sam brought his coffee can to camp and proudly presented it as soon as he could.

Overnight camp is a fun, safe place where nearly 700 children ages 6 to 17 build lifelong friendships, learn new skills and gain self-confidence. Sam wants everyone to be able to experience the joy and adventures El Tesoro has to offer. Whether it is $13 or $1,300, every dollar counts.

This year, we are asking you to Help Sam Fill His Can! Although the $645 fee may be affordable to the average family, for many this expense is too great. Last year, 113 children received camperships, however 21 children on the waiting list never received assistance.

Give today, and let’s make sure EVERY child gets to experience overnight camp.

Zem Neill President and CEO

Lisa Cook Vice President, Outdoor Programs

2015 BOARD MEMBERS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Lauri Curtis Hadobas VICE CHAIRMAN, ADMINISTRATION Bill McCoy VICE CHAIRMAN, FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT Jerri O. Akers VICE CHAIRMAN, PLANNING Jake Yarbrough TREASURER Jenene Schaffer SECRETARY George W. Bean, Jr. DIRECTORS Monica Balbo Jennifer Black Heidi Coombs Kimberly DeWoody Jennifer Garcia Dolores Garza Marilyn Gilbert Michele Hahnfeld Thomas Hook Nancy Hooper

Edward C. Lange Brant C. Martin Winjie Miao Tod M. Miller Randi Mitchell John Molyneaux Cheryl Moore Brit Phillips Judd Pritchard Evelyn H. Richardson Roland Schafer Chuck Sheridan Linda Springer John Strong Lynda Tiedtke Jared G. Vitemb Kelli Walter Andrew Ward Kay L. West Lori West FOUNDATION BOARD Foundation Board Kevin Garman, Chairman Daly R. Bales, Jr. Nina Hutton Linda Jacobson Adelaide Leavens Drew Springer Patricia Vaughan PRESIDENT/CEO Zem Neill