Fort Worth, Texas (June 11, 2019) – Camp Fire First Texas was chosen to provide after school programming for two new IDEA public schools. The schools, IDEA Achieve and IDEA Rise, are located in Tarrant County and will serve students in Fort Worth and Haltom City.

“The selection process was competitive and thoughtfully scrutinized all aspects of curriculum, quality and mission. We are thrilled to have been selected and to be expanding our after school programming into two new schools,” Cathy Halliday, vice president of youth development at Camp Fire, said. “The values IDEA Public Schools were built on closely align with the philosophy of Camp Fire programs. Every child has the ability to succeed and deserves a quality program. Our curriculum and programming will serve as a consistent enriching extension of their school day.”

After school programs at Camp Fire include unique curriculum based on ‘SPARK’:

S- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math: Using Tinker Spaces, hands-on projects and Maker Spaces, concepts come to life supporting learning in the classroom and beyond.
P- Project Based: With Genius Hour each week, every child chooses a project and focus. This area focuses on a growth in writing, organization and goal planning.
A- Art: Right and left brains are fully engaged with art projects that implement a variety of materials in our Creation Stations.
R- Recreation: Growing minds need a lot of activity to focus, create neural connections and refine gross motor skills – that’s why we Brain Break and play every day.
K- Kids: Camp Fire’s child-focused approach means every KID has the chance to lead.

“When looking for the best after school program for our scholars, we took many things into consideration. We wanted to ensure this program was safe, caring and providing fun and educational enrichment for our scholars even after the school day was over,” said Ana Martinez, Executive Director of IDEA Tarrant County. “We are very excited to be partnering with Camp Fire to provide after school learning to our scholars. Their programs will become an extension of our scholars’ days and this partnership will help achieve our goal of College for All.”

Camp Fire after school programming will be held on-site at IDEA Achieve and IDEA Rise. Care will begin at the completion of the school day, and will be available until 6:30 p.m. In addition to the SPARK curriculum, Camp Fire also offers homework help, Trail Time, healthy snacks, and a low staff to youth ratio in a licensed, safe environment.

To learn more about Camp Fire after school programs, visit Child care after school.

###

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.

About IDEA Public Schools

IDEA Public Schools believes that each and every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA Public Schools has grown from a small school with 150 students to the fastest-growing network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools in the United States. Currently, the network serves 45,000 college-bound students in 79 schools across Texas and Louisiana. IDEA has been recognized as a “Great Place to Work” and received national rankings on U.S. News & World Report’s Top High Schools lists. IDEA remains on-track to uphold its legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college.