I first started working for Camp Fire First Texas in June of 1998. It was a part time position, with what was then called the Work/Family Division. I was excited about joining Camp Fire and I thought I knew a lot about them, having attended many of their trainings and been a Blue Bird in my younger years. After joining the team, I learned how much more there was to Camp Fire.

Over the years I’ve had many wonderful experiences at Camp Fire and held several different positions, ranging from administrative assistant to IT manager. I am always looking to expand my horizons, so each time it was exciting to start a new phase in my Camp Fire career. I witnessed a lot of changes within the council, and was glad to work with people who strive to better our community and its youth.

Feeling so at home with Camp Fire, I was very content to stay and grow with the Council. But fate did not see things that way. In 2009 my husband’s job sent us to Maryland. It was an exciting change, and an unforgettable chapter in my life, but after six years we were ready to return home. We had finally made it back to Texas, when a job opening appeared on the Camp Fire horizon. Eager to join Camp Fire again, I jumped at the opportunity.

Coming back was more challenging than I expected. After so many years things were very different and there were many new faces alongside the old friends. I gradually began to learn about all the changes Camp Fire had made since I left; re-naming the Council and adopting a new logo, re-organizing divisions, implementing new programs, updating Camp El Tesoro, and much more.

Camp Fire does not stand still, that is for sure.

When you are involved with changes every day they seem small, and a natural progression of things. But coming back and seeing all the differences at once makes you see the great strides that have been made.

This is what I love about Camp Fire.

Our programs, while different in delivery from when I was a Blue Bird, still hold the same values. We teach children to be stewards of the environment, to love nature, to serve others, and to never stop learning. Because of our strategic planning, our council has survived (and thrived) for more than 100 years in the Fort Worth community. We are fortunate to have such strong leadership in our council; from employees to volunteers to our board, each individual has made us ready to take on the next 100 years – and we aren’t slowing down.

Coming back and learning a new job, meeting new people, seeing new programs and what new ideas Camp Fire has planned for the future has had its challenges; but so easy to once again walk the familiar halls, greet old friends and again be part of a great group that is making a difference in the lives of children.

Change is always a little difficult, but I think accepting change is a big step towards enjoying life. I try to look at life as a great adventure and welcome all the new directions it takes me. After all, that’s what life is all about – experiencing everything you can.

However, it’s always nice to have a home to return home, and I definitely found that at Camp Fire First Texas.

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Nancy Scheffler serves as the council’s Executive Assistant. Before coming to Camp Fire, Nancy worked as a preschool director. After taking several of Camp Fire’s professional development classes, she joined the council as an administrative assistant. She transitioned to a role as a registrar for Camp Fire programs, and later moved into a technology manager position. After living in Maryland for six years, she returned to Texas and accepted her current position at Camp Fire. Nancy holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University.