Fort Worth, Texas (February 15, 2019) – Camp Fire First Texas hosted a Report to the Community Reception and Awards Ceremony on February 7, 2019. Supporters and community members gathered to learn about the most recent impacts Camp Fire has had on today’s youth. During the event, Camp Fire presented three Ella C. McFadden Service to Youth Awards, and one Luther Halsey Gulick Award.

Ella C. McFadden was a major donor to Camp Fire through a gift in her estate. Each year, the McFadden Fund of the North Texas Community Foundation makes distributions to thirteen area non-profits. Camp Fire is fortunate to be one of the three major beneficiaries who receive distributions. Over the thirty-five years that distributions have been made, the McFadden Fund has provided Camp Fire First Texas with over $4.7 million in support. The Ella C. McFadden Service to Youth Award, recognizes the accomplishments of an organization or individual that serves youth, heightens public awareness of the needs of young people and encourages others in the community to invest time and money to help improve the lives of young people.

Ella C. McFadden Service to Youth Awards:
Lynn McKinney, Deputy Superintendent of Aledo Independent School District
Dr. Debbie Rhea, TCU Professor and founder of LiiNK Project
Tarrant County College Child Development and Education Department

The Luther Halsey Gulick Award, named for Camp Fire’s founder Luther Gulick, is Camp Fire’s highest recognition. It is awarded to those who exemplify extraordinary, lifetime leadership.

Luther Halsey Gulick Award:
Patricia Vaughan

In 1966, Pat began her professional career with Camp Fire Girls, but her lifelong appreciation of the importance of Camp Fire for young women, and later young men, began as a 7-year-old Blue Bird in Marshall, Texas. Throughout her youth, Pat was an active Camp Fire Girl, camper, camp counselor, and volunteer. Pat served Camp Fire in many roles as an adult, including District Director and Camp Director in Fort Worth and Camp El Tesoro; Executive Director of the Port Arthur Council; and as the Assistant Executive Director and Director of Camping for the Lone Star Council in Dallas for more than 15 years. After her retirement, Pat spent numerous hours volunteering for the First Texas Council. Unfortunately, the cancer that Pat had been fighting took over and Pat died on January 3 at her home in Dallas. She was notified of her selection for this lifetime achievement award before her passing and was honored and humbled. Her niece, Kim Vaughan, accepted the award in Pat’s place.

The Report to the Community Reception and Awards Ceremony was chaired by Anne Carvalho.

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About Camp Fire First Texas

Camp Fire First Texas is one of the largest Camp Fire councils in the country. Programs are for boys, girls and their families and include camping, after school programs, teen services, environmental education, and school readiness, in addition to professional development for early childhood educators. In Camp Fire, children and youth find a safe, fun and inclusive place – a place where they form lasting relationships, develop a sense of belonging and make positive contributions to the lives of their families and their community. Camp Fire youth have life-enhancing experiences and develop assets essential to their futures. Camp Fire changes young lives for the better in our community. Inside and out.