|
|
Correction:
The February newsletter of Camp Fire USA Minnesota Council that was sent out earlier today was missing the article about the Lorraine E. Anderson camper scholarship. In this complete version of the newsletter, the Lorraine E. Anderson scholarship article can be found just below the article "Violet is Back!" or by using the link to the left. We apologize for the error.
|
Violet is Back!
Tara "Violet" Markley will return as Outdoor Programs Director this summer.
 Hello Tanadoona friends and families!
Greetings from Violet/Tara!
First, I just wanted to update you about camp. Sam Peterson has left Camp Fire
to pursue other endeavors. We wish him
well and good luck with the future. With his departure, we as a team have
decided it would be a great fit for me to resume the post of full-time Outdoor Programs Director at Camp Tanadoona. Although I said good-bye to many of you this past summer, I have stayed on as a camp consultant, so I'm up to speed and ready to make this
our best summer yet! This summer will be my third summer working with the
amazing staff, campers and families of Camp Tanadoona.
This year also marks Camp Fire
USA's centennial, and we're
excited to celebrate on June 3rd, 6:30-8:30 PM at Camp
Tanadoona. The Centennial celebration event will be an evening you won't want to miss, with great speakers, local dignitaries, youth voices and more. Camping has always been at
the forefront of our mission to build, caring, confident youth and future
leaders. I am honored and excited to be
a part of another great summer experience on the shores of Lake Minnewashta.
We have some returning staff already on board for
camp, and we are lining up some great new counselors as well to ensure there
will be many smiles and laughs throughout the summer. I look forward to meeting the needs of our
families by providing a program for four-year-olds to get a taste of the
Tanadoona experience.
The Giant Swing will be back this summer, and there
will, of course, be lots of swimming, canoeing, nature exploration, grape toss competitions,
archery, gold rush and many more of the activities that make Tanadoona a great
place to spend your summer. If you or
your campers have any questions in regards to camp please email or call me and
I would love to discuss them with you.
Tara
"Violet" Markley
Outdoor Programs Director
612-221-7014
taram@campfireusa-mn.org
|
Introducing the Lorraine E. Anderson
Scholarship
 We
are excited to announce a new camp scholarship for our Northwoods trip to Camp Bluewater.
The Lorraine E. Anderson Scholarship was created in memory of the woman many in
Minnesota
knew as "Mrs. Camp Fire."
Lorraine had
a great passion for the outdoors. She knew first hand how empowering
experiences with nature can be, and as a Camp
Fire volunteer, it was important to
her that Camp Fire youth have the opportunity to
experience the outdoors and to learn to be self-sufficient in the woods and on
the lake.
The
scholarship covers the full cost of the Northwoods trip for one camper each
year. As a tribute to Lorraine's
leadership and love of the outdoors, scholarship recipients will be chosen
through a competitive process for their desire to expand their skills in these
areas.
For
more information and to apply, visit our website or contact Tara Markley,
Outdoor Programs Director at 612-221-7014 or taram@campfireusa-mn.org.
|
|
Youth Share their Stories at Camp Fire's Annual Meeting
Four youth from Yorkdale Townhomes shared
the impact Camp Fire has had on their lives at Camp Fire
USA Minnesota Council's annual meeting on Monday, January 25th.
 "I like going on field trips and seeing new things, like
when we went to California Pizza Kitchen and got to make our own pizzas and see
the kitchen," said Henok, age 9. "I also liked
eating the pizza."
See all of what Henok had to say.
 "I get to do my homework at Camp Fire,"
said Kristen, age 7, "and I like getting help when I need it."
See all of what Kristen had to say.
 "Going to Camp Fire is really fun," said Asia, age 11. "The kids are respectful and nice and let
everyone play the games."
See all of what Asia had to say.
 "I would be very bored without Camp Fire,"
said Gavin, age 10. "I really like that we get
to try lots of different things."
See all of what Gavin had to say.
Yorkdale Townhomes is owned and operated by CommonBond
Communities, one of the largest nonprofit affordable housing developments in Minnesota. At Yorkdale Townhomes, club members are
engaged with activities and excited to be in club two days a week.
|
|
Highlights From Camp Fire's Annual Meeting
Camp Fire USA Minnesota Council's annual meeting was held January 25, 2010. Along with a keynote speech given by Dr. Michael Resnick of the University of Minnesota, Camp Fire recognized the organizations and individuals who have gone above and beyond in devoting their time and resources in 2009. CEO Marnie Wells also presented a recap of 2009 and introduced Camp Fire's three-year strategic plan, which will guide our work as we strive to grow and improve.
 Dr. Michael ResnickAnnual meeting attendees had the great privilege of hearing from Dr. Michael Resnick, a leading researcher in the fields of adolescent health and healthy youth development and a professor at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Resnick spoke about the barriers to healthy youth development and about how out-of-school time programs can help youth to grow and develop. Youth need adult mentors they can talk to and look up to, Dr. Resnick said. Parents and teachers can serve as adult mentors, but youth often need other adults they can connect to as well. Dr. Resnick challenged everyone at the annual meeting to be a mentor to the youth in their lives. HonoreesThe following organizations and individuals were recognized with awards at Camp Fire's annual meeting.  Lindquist & Vennum, PLLP, for outstanding ongoing pro bono legal services.- NorthMarq, for generous pro bono brokerage services.
- David Minkkinen, for 11 years of service on Camp Fire's Board of Directors.
- The McKnight Foundation, for outstanding financial support.
- Fred
C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation, for oustanding financial support.
- Twin
Cities Housing Development Corporation, for five years of partnership and for their dedication to providing the best services to youth and families.
- PricewaterhouseCoopers, for their spectacular volunteer effort in support of Camp Tanadoona.
- Nancy Stiller, for her lifelong commitment to Camp Fire and her recent work above and beyond all expectations as Camp Fire's financial consultant.
2009 Accomplishments
CEO Marnie Wells shared some of Camp Fire's
highlights from last year: This past year, we served
over 1,500 youth
through Camp Fire clubs. Our clubs run year-round and
focus on providing low income youth with opportunities to learn and
develop
skills in safe environments. Over 700 youth attended
summer camp at Camp Fire's Camp Tanadoona.
This past year, with overwhelming, generous
support from our donors and funders, we were able to provide a record 75
youth
with financial aid so they could attend summer camp.
Camp Fire's former Camp Ojiketa
became a regional park. Despite a difficult economy,
Camp Fire
donors and funders contributed 50% more than the previous year.
|
Planning for a Bright Future
As Camp
Fire celebrates its
centennial this year, we are looking toward the future with a three-year strategic plan for continued excellence.
Camp Fire USA Minnesota Council's three-year strategic plan focuses on three main goals to continue to strengthen and improve our impact on youth:
- Prepare future leaders for success in life.
- Connect youth with nature to inspire growth, learning and healthy living.
- Empower youth to be engaged in their communities.
Read the 2010-2012 strategic plan.
|
|
Best Regards,
Marnie K. Wells, Chief Executive Officer
| |
|
|
|
