One of the first things you learned as a young Camp Fire club member was the Camp Fire Law: Seek Beauty, Give Service, Pursue Knowledge, Be Trustworthy, Hold On To Health, Glorify Work and Be Happy.” This Law created a path for five generations of my family.

It started with my grandmother who was in one of the first Camp Fire clubs in Ohio. As an adult, she lived in Dallas where she was a leader, volunteer, trainer and Board Member. She and my grandfather were Gulick Award honorees for their camp work. Her leadership and service ideas taught through Camp Fire programs led her into many other community leadership positions through life. In addition to her service as an adult in Camp Fire, she sponsored the RAF (Royal Air Force) members who were here for training. She was also the President for the King’s Daughters organization. It was by her belief in the Camp Fire Law that she was able to fulfill these measures of life.

My mother grew up in the Dallas Camp Fire council as a club member and as an adult became my club leader and volunteered for the summer day camp programs. She also then went on to volunteer and serve in leadership positions for Boy Scouts of America when my brother was old enough to become a member. This service continued past my brother’s involvement in the organization.

Our family was always involved with various activities with First Texas council and Camp El Tesoro by being day camp counselors, supply chairman, Candy Sale representatives and camp work days (VIP days). My father assisted with the original construction of the first site manager house on the “other side” of the bridge.

Knowing that your family has been a part of the community by serving and being a trusted volunteer is very fulfilling as a young adult and inspired me to achieve the same accomplishments. It all goes back to the Camp Fire Law – ‘Giving Service.’ It was what my parents strived for. What a wonderful example to set for your children.

My tenure with the First Texas Council is 47 years. I began in second grade as a Blue Bird club member, then a volunteer, board member, leader and have been on staff for 27 years. I became a leader for my daughter’s club so that she could have the same life experiences and lessons that I had as a child. I would never consider her attending any summer camp but El Tesoro, the place I have such fond memories of as a child and adult. Now, my granddaughter has attended El Tesoro for five summers and counting.

The community ties and knowledge of the outdoors developed at camp far exceed what you might learn in school. I loved volunteering as an Outdoor Trainer so new leaders could help other children learn about outdoor skills and camp life. Many of the lessons I learned in Camp Fire have given me the knowledge I use to this day, develop a plan to explore the new and accept the challenges that arise along the way.

Camp Fire – it is what we do, where we go, what we believe in. It is a way of life. It is the CAMP FIRE LAW.

Susanne Brown is the IT & database administration manager at Camp Fire First Texas. Susanne began her Camp Fire journey as a volunteer, serving as a club leader along with her grandmother and mother. Susanne was a Camp Fire member as a child, and is part of a five generation Camp Fire family. Susanne holds a bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in economics from Sam Houston State University.