COVID, a Growth Mindset and Me
One day in early spring 2020 I packed up a few things from my office, picked up my two preschool-age children from child care and drove home thinking we’d hunker down and enjoy a vacation/work-from-home couple of weeks. Oh, how very little did I know. And how quickly did I have to learn.
Reflections – A Blog
Camp Fire programs use Thrive{ology} as a framework, which includes a segment called “Reflections” at the end of a program or task, as a review of what was learned, what went well or not so well, and the lessons learned. Today, I thought it appropriate to do a little reflecting myself, as I left the Camp Fire Resource Center for the last time as the President/CEO, the end of a 43-year experience working for Camp Fire First Texas.
Camp El Tesoro de la Vida – Going Beyond Summer Camp
This summer, the ongoing COVID situation prevented the traditional grief camp from operating. Camp volunteers and counselors knew children still needed the support this program offers.
Camp Fire First Texas Will Welcome New President/CEO in October
Fort Worth, Texas (September 15, 2020) - After receiving interest from more than 150 candidates, Camp Fire First Texas is excited to announce Lauren Richard will take the reigns as the next president/CEO of Camp Fire First Texas on October 12. The organization began searching for a new leader in January 2020 following the retirement announcement of Ann Sheets, current president/CEO. A Transition Task Force comprised of board members and community leaders was formed and oversaw the search process. They originally anticipated a June transition, but when the COVID-19 health crisis occurred, the team adjusted the timeline. “Our Transition[...]
Camp is About More Than Just the Activities: The Value(s) of Camp – Part 2
In part 1 of this blog post, I shared the camp experience is about so much more than just the terrific activities. Camp is a place where kids get to learn and practice many vitally important life-skills that will greatly benefit them as they navigate their school years and whatever path they take in their future. At Camp El Tesoro, each morning we introduce our campers to life skills, which we refer to as the “Values of the Day”. Five of these important life skills were covered in Part 1. Part 2 will cover the remaining four. 6. Respect Many people[...]
WoHeLo Hour: Try New Things
While we can't be together in-person this summer, Camp El Tesoro Staff, Counselors In Training (CITs) and other guests will be sharing weekly camp-at-home activities spotlighting a different theme each week. Enjoy this week's kick-off video below and then set up time to enjoy the weekly activities. Social Connection What is something that you were able to try at camp for the first time? Share a picture through a text to a friend or family member or share with us by posting to social media @CampElTesoro of you doing something that you learned at[...]
WoHeLo Hour: Role Models
While we can't be together in-person this summer, Camp El Tesoro Staff, Counselors In Training (CITs) and other guests will be sharing weekly camp-at-home activities spotlighting a different theme each week. Enjoy this week's video where a long-time El Tesoro camper and now counselor shares who his role models are. Be sure to set aside time to enjoy the weekly activities. Don't forget to keep track of activities on the Camp El Tesoro CAMPO Card Social Connection Camp is full of role models. Not only the counselors and staff members, but CITs and fellow campers.[...]
WoHeLo Hour: Traditions
While we can't be together in-person this summer, Camp El Tesoro Staff, Counselors In Training (CITs) and other guests will be sharing weekly camp-at-home activities spotlighting a different theme each week. This week, our special guest is talking traditions. Camp traditions often happen organically, but many are a passed-down treasure and each generation of campers builds on the foundation. Whether it is 100 years or 100 days old, camp traditions help build relationships, create connections and even give youth the opportunity to be leaders for the next generation. Don't forget to keep track of activities on the Camp El[...]
WoHeLo Hour: Camp Legends
While we can't be together in-person this summer, Camp El Tesoro Staff, Counselors In Training (CITs) and other guests will be sharing weekly camp-at-home activities spotlighting a different theme each week. Pull up a camp chair or comfy stool and settle in for a good Camp Legend. Legends help connect generations of campers through their shared remembrances of classic camp stories. Enjoy this week's actvities and a special Camp Legend told in our video below. Don't forget to keep track of activities on the Camp El Tesoro CAMPO Card - like Bingo, but better. Social Connection[...]
WoHeLo Hour: Crafts & Creativity
While we can't be together in-person this summer, Camp El Tesoro Staff, Counselors In Training (CITs) and other guests will be sharing weekly camp-at-home activities spotlighting a different theme each week. This week, we're getting crafty. Watch our kick-off video below featuring a resident camp craft expert and set aside time to enjoy the weekly activities. Don't forget to keep track of activities on the Camp El Tesoro CAMPO Card - like Bingo, but better. Social Connection Making arts & crafts is an essential part of camp. Share a picture on you or your parent's social[...]
WoHeLo Hour: Camp Songs
While we can't be together in-person this summer, Camp El Tesoro Staff, Counselors In Training (CITs) and other guests will be sharing weekly camp-at-home activities spotlighting a different theme each week. Enjoy this week's video features an original song written and performed by Jacob Summer. Be sure to set aside time to enjoy the weekly activities. Don't forget to keep track of activities on the Camp El Tesoro CAMPO Card Looking for the lyrics and chords for "There's a Rock In My Chaco"? Here they are. Social Connection Singing is an important part of[...]
WoHeLo Hour: Outdoor Connection
While we can't be together in-person this summer, Camp El Tesoro Staff, Counselors In Training (CITs) and other guests will be sharing weekly camp-at-home activities spotlighting a different theme each week. Enjoy this week's kick-off video below and then set up time to enjoy the weekly activities. Don't forget to keep track of activities on the Camp El Tesoro CAMPO Card - like Bingo, but better. Social Connection How has attending camp helped you appreciate and connect with nature? Take a moment to share a picture of you enjoying time out in nature with a family[...]