| Camp Fire in the News |
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Asian American Press: Ge Xiong, vice president of community programs appointed a Second Shift commissioner |
| Early Bird Deadline |
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Don't forget - Fri., Mar. 6 is the last day to recieve the Early Bird discount for summer camp sessions at Camp Tanadoona. Register and pay in full by this day! | |
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Greetings!
These are both challenging and exciting times at Camp Fire as we face the economic situation confronting our nation and look to mark 100 years of service next year. Throughout these events, we want you to know that our commitment to top quality, safe programs for youth remains the core of our service. Our staff is key to this as well as creating a strong vision for the future.
Best wishes,
Marnie K. Wells
Chief Executive Officer |
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Building the Camp Tanadoona Team
Many favorite counselors are gearing-up for this summer 
Names like Goose, Frogger, Leo, BoBo, Pingu, or Shamrock may not mean much to the average person, but mention them around a pack of last year's campers and you're likely to hear, "Yeah! Alright! I can't wait!" These are some of the names of counselors who made many campers' summer truly memorable last year. And they're coming back.
Staff members are the crux of Camp Tanadoona's distinctive program. We select only the most qualified candidates to be a part of our team; individuals who show the unique talent to truly connect with the hearts and minds of our campers. Our counselors also excel in adaptability, share a strong self-image, and outgoing personalities that lift our campers up. Each staff member undergoes a rigorous selection process looking for these traits and skills.
All our staff share in an intensive two-week training that helps build a strong, supportive team. This training is backed by the highest standards in the camping industry as part of the American Camp Association accreditation. This time is spent buffing-up on all their outdoor skills and learning youth development essentials.
Our campers and parents let us know that this rigorous process is well worth the effort. Throughout the summer we see it in the simple things, like the glowing smiles on our campers' faces, the high-fives, the goofy dances we share. Then we also see it in the comments our campers and parents share during survey time, comments like this one from a 14 year-old camper, "I loved all the staff-they are all so fun and always make me laugh!" Another 15 year-old camper wrote, "the counselors are fun to be around and easy to talk to."
Camp families will have a chance to meet some of our counselors during our first open house on April 19, 2009. Then, during our second open house on June 13, all the Tanadoona staff will be greeting attendees.
Related Links:
Camp Fire USA: 2009 Camp Tanadoona Staff
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Our Vision for the Future
Annual Meeting Builds Excitement for Another Century
The Annual Meeting of Camp Fire USA Minnesota Council was held on Monday, Feb. 24 at the council office. Chief executive officer, Marnie Wells, presented the 2007-2008 Annual Report and recognized the incredible support of our many friends and donors.
The truly exciting moment of the evening came during the unveiling of Camp Fire's vision for the future. Next year, Camp Fire will mark 100 years of service--a momentous occasion. Thus, Marnie presented a plan to trailblaze into another century by boldly doing what we do best--helping young people become who they are suppose to be.
 Excitement around this message and our centennial is also being spread through Camp Fire USA National Headquarters' special campaign. The Camp Fire flame ignites change in this campaign that shows images of young people "helping it catch" by choosing to be engaged in Camp Fire experiences. This campaign illustrates the vibrant Camp Fire of today.
It's incredible to conceive that Camp Fire is marking a century of service. Camp Fire continues to play a significant role in the lives of today's youth. So, the thousands of youth in our clubs and camp programs receive some of the highest quality programs in the community. Our investments in staff training, research-based curriculum, and strong connections with the youth in our programs will continue to be our focus into the future.
The incredible relationships we build with friends and donors in the community make our empowering programs possible for youth. With the centennial we will have many more opportunities for individuals and organizations to get involved with Camp Fire. Camp Fire has had a magnificent impact in the lives of many adults in this community. We hope to reconnect with these Camp Fire alums to help us celebrate our proud legacy. |
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Lucille Ewy: A Camp Fire Filled Life
 A memorial to the adventures of one Camp Fire alum
As we look forward to marking 100 years of service, we reflect on the many lives that Camp Fire has impacted and whose support has empowered the organization to serve more youth.
Lucille Ewy dedicated much of her life to her pursuits within Camp Fire. Like many women in the 1950s, Lucille found Camp Fire to be a haven that welcomed her leadership at a time when such opportunities were limited for women. Her work made indelible impressions on the lives of her daughters, the many girls she led, and numerous adults whose lives intersected through Camp Fire.
Starting in 1952, Lucille became a volunteer club leader for her first daughter's group and continued leading clubs for her two younger daughters. She spent countless hours planning their meetings and council fires, taking them camping, doing service projects, and selling candy, lots of candy!
"We, as her daughters, benefitted tremendously from her involvement and commitment to Camp Fire," explained Lucille's daughter, Jeanne Ewy. "We have been challenged in trying to live up to the standards she set for us as a mother, a volunteer, and as a caring, hardworking member of the community." Lucille was always very supportive of her daughters and her club members. "Of course, we didn't realize how much work it was at the time." Being a humble woman, she never touted her community service or even acknowledge her tremendous leadership. But everyone knew not to sit next to her...unless they wanted to join her committees, or other service work. "She knew how to motivate people and use their skills," said Jeanne.
Jeanne Ewy explains that Camp Fire was a place where her mom ran the show and received the accolades for her leadership. "Our dad followed her into Camp Fire...during an era when women were not independent. Dad supported her. The inverse was expected at that time."
There are many stories about the adventures Lucille led for her Camp Fire groups. One former club members, Elizabeth Foley, recounted the story of going camping and snow shoeing one winter weekend at Camp Lokinda with her Camp Fire group:
"It was extremely cold, but they were without a radio or thermometer, so they really didn't know how cold it was. One clue was that the orange juice froze as it was poured into paper cups, and the pancakes were frozen before the girls were able to cover them with syrup. It turns out, it was 26 degrees below zero; yet no one got frost bite or froze any fingers or toes and everyone returned safely home."
These are the stories of people who felt the importance of Camp Fire in their lives. It gave them new experiences that were truly adventurous and life-shaping and that developed life-long friendships. Jeanne and her sisters still get together with the women who were in their clubs forty years later. At Lucille's recent memorial service, eight Camp Fire friends came to share the impact that Lucille, their Camp Fire leader, had on their lives. They spoke of how Lucille was an adult with whom they could talk; she cared about them and supported them. By listening closely and openly, she helped many young women find their way. | |
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