Education-AmeriCorps VISTA

Drawing upon more than 100 years of tradition, Camp Fire has been delivering high-quality, evidence-based programming to children and families in ten central Texas counties since 1966. We are helping young people reach their fullest potential. Many of the youth participating in our afterschool programs come from homes of economic disparity, or are considered “at risk” due to behaviors that compromise their social and academic success. Through their participation in Camp Fire these kids are able to learn and grow in a safe, constructive environment dedicated to their development that they may otherwise never have had access to. Camp Fire uses nature education as a unique tool to foster youth development, encouraging children to get outside and rediscover the world around them. We work every day to make the future better by improving the lives of our kids today. We are empowering youth with knowledge and the kind of self-assurance they can rely on as they grow into healthy, caring, confident adults.

In 2013 Camp Fire was named Manor Independent School District’s Afterschool Partner of the Year. Our kids completed several nature projects, such as building birdhouses and planting native wildlife habitats. Furthermore, annually since 2011 every child in a Camp Fire program has participated in the Absolutely Incredible Kids initiative, completing environmental service projects related to water conservation. This year over 700 kids participated and at one school 40 fourth and fifth graders tracked their water usage over three weeks and saved 355 gallons of water.

A key factor in a child’s academic success is attendance, and this past year it was reported by the Manor ISD Superintendent that 70% of MISD students failing one or more state tests had 20 or more absences. Camp Fire programs have a positive impact on a child’s academics through the simple fact that Camp Fire kids want to come to school. This is evidenced in their excitement and eagerness to take part in the experience of their projects, work with classmates, and share the knowledge they’ve gained with their friends and family. It is our goal to cultivate an appreciation for nature, but also to see our youth become highly committed to and capable of preserving the natural environment for years to come. This is our impact. It does not simply exist in the present, but rather persists onward as the children we serve grow and see their experiences with Camp Fire continue to shape their lives thereafter. By educating our children about nature we are expanding their minds today, and planting the seeds for sustainable change in the future by turning out a generation of kids who are informed about environmental issues and capable of doing something about it.