January 21, 2016 (Fort Worth, Texas) – Camp Fire First Texas is continuing a long-time partnership with AmeriCorps in 2016. Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro – Camp Fire’s 223-acre camp in Granbury, Texas – is hosting an AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) team comprised of 10, 18-24 year-olds and one team leader. The team, named Water 1, arrived at Camp El Tesoro January 8, and will remain until February 25.
While at Camp El Tesoro, Water 1 will be building walkways to newly constructed cabins, clearing brush, beginning with demolition of older buildings set for renovation and assisting with other general camp maintenance. AmeriCorps NCCC first served with Camp El Tesoro in 2012. Since then, teams have provided more than 14,000 hours of service with Camp Fire First Texas. Previous NCCC corps members have installed fences, helped with summer camp preparation, constructed game pits, restored miles of trails, removed thousands of pounds of underbrush and conducted outdoor environmental education classes.
“One of the social impact areas of Camp Fire is learning through giving service, and our partnership with AmeriCorps solidifies that value at Camp El Tesoro,” Lisa Cook, Chief Facilities and Technology Officer said. “The work the teams accomplish while at camp are vital to our programs. They help ourstaff ensure our facilities are up-to-date, engaging and safe for our youth and community participants.”
In addition to the service at Camp El Tesoro, Water 1 corps members are required to complete 80 hours of Individual Service Projects (ISPs) over their 10 month commitment to NCCC. Water 1 members are engaging in service by speaking at North Texas schools and educating the public on service opportunities AmeriCorps offers.
Team lead, Jennifer Francois, hopes to educate high school youth about the benefits of joining AmeriCorps.
“AmeriCorps is a great opportunity for anyone who is 18-24 and might not know what they want to do after high school or college,” Francois said. “Individuals who really enjoy service, work well on a team and are looking for growth would be a great fit for the program.”
After their service at Camp El Tesoro, the team is moving to St. Louis to assist the Mayor’s office with surveying and assessing city buildings.
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About Camp Fire First Texas
Camp Fire is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit youth development organizations, serving youth, teens and families in communities across the United States. Camp Fire programs are research-based, delivered where youth and families are via out-of-school time, environmental and camp, and teen service and leadership programs. Because youth want to shape the world, Camp Fire’s focus is giving youth and teens the opportunity to find their sparks, lift their voice and discover who they are. Camp Fire programs are proven to develop young peoples’ skills now so they can reach their full potential.
