Smoke Signal November December 2014

In This Issue News Summer Camp Scholarships Calendar Our Community Promise to Children Luncheon Top Golf Camp Fire Nature Celebration New Board and Bylaws Silicon Labs Sponsors ASAP Youth Leadership KOAH Clubs Honey Trees Family Nature Clubs Outdoors Training: Angling and Geocaching Inks Lake: We Learn To Find Our Way Backpacking Trip Schedule 2015 Backpacking Orientation Day Camp Photos Our Community Friends of Camp Fire Web and Email

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Camp Fire Central Texas surpassed its goal of raising $2,500 for the Summer Camp Scholarship Campaign to send ten low-income youth to one week of Camp Fire Summer Camp next year. While attending camp is entrenched in many of our childhood memories, these children would not otherwise have the opportunity available to them to make those lasting memories, placing them at-risk for summer learning loss and future academic and personal challenges. In Camp Fire Summer Camp, they will be able to socialize, grow academically and personally, all while having fun in a safe environment.

Camp Fire Community Supports Summer Camp Scholarships Fund

The Summer Camp Scholarship Campaign culminated on the brisk morning of November 8, as Camp Fire staff and partners began setting up base at Mueller Park for the third annual Camp Fire Nature Celebration, arranging crafts, games, and educational expos as the grand finale for the campaign. Volunteers and partnerships with the Paleontological Society of Austin, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Austin Nature and Science Center, Commander Ben’s Invasive Hunter Academy, the Children and Nature Collaboration of Austin, Tiny Tails to You, Alpha Pi Omega, and the Wild Turkey Federation provided entertainment and education about Texas wildlife for visitors and Camp Fire friends. Groups of families with kids of all ages participated and had a blast, marching in a parade at the end of the event to show off their self-made crafts. “This was such a fun event! My kids enjoyed every single activity!” said Camp Fire parent Ramona CruzPeters.

Calendar December Backpacking Leader Training December 23-26 Camp Fire Office Closed Dec 27-January 1 Big Bend NP Backpacking Trip January 1 Camp Fire Office Closed Looking Ahead: January 11-12 Backpacking Trip, Enchanted Rock January 18-19 Backpacking Trip, Pedernales Falls February 4 Promise to Children Luncheon Feb 28-March 1 KOAH

Scroll to Page 7 to enjoy some fun photos of our October 13 Day Camp at McKinney Falls State Park! For late-breaking calendar items and updates, watch for messages on the Camp Fire email listserv and on our Camp Fire Facebook page. Email [email protected] with your request to join the yahoogroups listserv. See page 7 for web and Facebook links.

Camp Fire Central Texas | P. O. Box 303040 | Austin, TX 78703 Telephone: (512) 349-2111 | www.camp-fire.org | [email protected]

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Our Community Camp Fire Promise to Children Award Luncheon Set for February 4, 2015 The Camp Fire Promise to Children Award fundraising luncheon will be on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at the newly renovated Radisson Hotel at 111 E Cesar Chavez Street, Austin. For many urban children in the Austin-metro area, Camp Fire Central Texas is their only opportunity to participate in quality out-of-school-time learning experiences and adventures in a hands-on, safe, supportive way. As Central Texas’ population continues to grow at a staggering rate, so does the need for Camp Fire’s all-inclusive programs that foster caring, curious, confident lifelong learners.

Congratulations to Gigi Edwards Bryant on receiving the 2015 Camp Fire Promise to Children Award!

Each year the Camp Fire Promise to Children Award fundraising luncheon honors an extraordinary individual in the local community who shares Camp Fire’s passion for helping children foster the skills and knowledge to develop a growth mindset and become leaders in their communities. The event allows Camp Fire to engage more children than ever as the demand for exceptional learning opportunities significantly increases day after day. Funds raised through the luncheon directly impact the lives of thousands of Camp Fire kids as they find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are. If you would like to know more about being a sponsor, a Table Host, or to purchase a ticket, please see visit our web page at www.camp-fire.org/news-and-events/camp-fire-promise-children-award-luncheon/ —Rebecca Benz, Executive Director, Camp Fire Central Texas

Gigi Edwards Bryant Business Owner, Community Volunteer, Development Consultant

Generous Supporters Enjoy Topgolf Austin, Raise Funds for Camp Fire Programs On Thursday, October 23, Austin businesses gathered at Topgolf Austin for Camp Fire Central Texas’ second annual Be on Top…Golf for Camp Fire Kids fundraiser. Through sponsors and players, tne event raised over $17,000 to help central Texas children thrive through Camp Fire programs. Guests enjoyed fun music, delicious campfire-themed foods such as smores and loaded hot dogs, and engaged in friendly competition. The evening also featured a silent auction with intriguing prizes that ranged from quality REI camping gear to a lovely day of wine tasting at Becker Vineyards. Competitors continually checked the displayed items as staff watched the list of bids flourish, building up the excitement toward the last game. Players took fantastic prizes home and garnered funds that enable Camp Fire Central Texas to fulfill its promise to children by providing renowned educational programs.

All smiles from the Norton Rose Fullbright team, top team at Be on Top...Golf for Camp Fire Kids

In the end, the team to come out on top was Norton Rose Fullbright. Congratulations to these rock star Topgolf players and Camp Fire friends! —Talena Ramnath, AmeriCorps VISTA, Communications

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Our Community A Beautiful Morning Outside Austin families gathered at Mueller Park on a sunny Saturday morning in November for hours of fun games, crafts, and nature and wildlife exploration at the third annual Camp Fire Nature Celebration. The event introduced families to Camp Fire and raised funds for Summer Camp scholarships. Thanks so much to all the presenters, supporters, staff, and participants! See you next year!

Camp Fire Central Texas Annual Meeting

New Bylaws Adopted

The Camp Fire Central Texas Annual Meeting was held on October 28, with the new 2014-2015 board and slate of officers sworn in by VISTA volunteer Alicia Santiago.

At the Camp Fire Central Texas Annual Meeting held on October 28, 2014, the voting members of the Council approved the proposed revisions to the Council’s bylaws. The bylaws had been updated last in 2002. Over the past six months a task-group worked on examining the Council’s bylaws in comparison to templates for best practices provided by Camp Fire National Headquarters, and produced an updated bylaws for consideration at the Annual Meeting. The newly updated and adopted bylaws are available for review at the Camp Fire Central Texas offices. If you’d like a copy, please contact: Rebecca Benz, Executive Director, [email protected]

The Officers are: President—Cindy Loeffler Vice President—Diana Wheeler Vice-President—Chris Crowley Secretary—Michael Simmons Treasurer—Denise Meikel

The Directors are: Carah-Beth Bass Andrew Gates Alicia Groos Brian Leto

Thomas Nilles Katie Pariseau Margaret Stambaugh Evan Welsh

The new officers and directors were sworn to support the Camp Fire Purpose: “The purpose of Camp Fire is to provide, through a program of informal education, opportunities for youth to realize their potential, and to function as caring, self-directed individuals, responsible to themselves and to others; and, as an organization, to seek to improve those conditions in society which affect youth.” Welcome, new board members and officers! Beginning January 2015 the Board will meet at 6:00 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every month at the American Botanical Council, 6200 Manor Rd., Austin.

Silicon Labs Supports Camp Fire ASAP for Afterschool Youth Camp Fire Central Texas is proud to announce Silicon Labs as a new sponsor of Camp Fire ASAP (Advancing Science As a Profession), a program that connects local science and technology professionals with 5th through 8th grade youth in afterschool Camp Fire groups. Volunteer scientists exemplify what science looks like outside of the classroom and inspire youth interested in science to continue to pursue science-related careers. Thank you Silicon Labs!

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Youth Leadership Camp Fire Teens: This is for YOU!

Knowledge

Ownership

Action

Hope

K

O

A

H

KOAH is a ceremony for teens, created and produced BY Camp Fire teens FOR Camp Fire teens. This year's ceremonial will be February 28-March 1, 2015 at University Camp in San Marcos. It's a chance to get out in nature and think about who we are and who we want to be, to be challenged and inspired, and to bond with other Camp Fire teens in a safe environment. If you've already been through KOAH, you can do it again as a participant or a performer. If you haven't been through it, now's your chance to share in the mystery and become part of the KOAH/HOKAN legacy of Camp Fire in Austin. Want to know more? Watch for details in the next Smoke Signal or call Mary Halaney at 512-913-0118.

Clubs Weather Doesn't Stop the Honey Trees Club The Honey Trees Camp Fire Club had a great time at Lake Georgetown, even in the cold and rain! If it has been our family alone, we probably would have cancelled due to the weather. However, because we had a small group going, that provided the good kind of peer pressure. We ended up with three families camping at Cedar Breaks Park. The kids led the adults on several hikes along the lake. We also got some amazing photos of huge lamb's ears plants. We uploaded this photo to National Geographic's "The Great Nature Project." —Diana Wheeler, Honey Trees Club Leader To learn more about The Great Nature Project, visit www.greatnatureproject.org —Ed.

Camp Fire Family Nature Club Open for New Members Camp Fire Central Texas launched its revamped Camp Fire Family Nature Club this November, introducing families to the outdoors via fun, rudimentary outdoor excursions led by Camp Fire nature experts. Families get to experience the outdoors, and learn about local wildlife and science within nature in a structured, welcoming environment. Furthermore, the club cultivates environmental stewardship for future generations through Leave No Trace principles and community service projects in order to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. Camp Fire Family Nature Club is great for both novices and well-experienced outdoor people alike! The 2014-2015 is from November 2014—August 2015. If this sounds like the perfect opportunity to become acquainted with the outdoors, please register at www.camp-fire.org/programs/family-nature-clubs/. Questions? Email [email protected].

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Outdoors Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.—Rachel Carson

Camp Fire Staff and Volunteers Train with Texas Parks and Wildlife for Outdoor Fun Camp Fire staff and volunteers participated in two recent trainings led by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD): Angler Education and Geocaching. At each training, the participants learned how to get more families engaged in the outdoors by leading fun, hands-on activities that teach real skills and give people the confidence to enjoy nature in a safe and responsible way. With the knowledge and resources gained from these trainings, Camp Fire staff will be better able to lead quality programs and events, such as our Nature Celebration at Mueller Lake on November 8, which included both angling and geocaching activities. Even participants with previous outdoor experience commented that the trainings were impressively beneficial; one Camp Fire volunteer commented that even though he had grown up fishing with his family, he never knew that the correct knot to use at the end of a fishing line is the Palomar Knot, or why that particular knot is stronger than other knots he’d previously learned. “All this time I had been using a much more difficult, weaker knot! No wonder kids get frustrated trying to learn,” he realized. He and the other participants learned all about avoiding such frustration early on, to maximize the positive initial experience of first-time anglers. “If kids lose their lure every time they cast a line, they probably won’t like fishing very much and will be very unlikely to ask their parents to go fishing in the future,” explained TPWD Angler Education instructor Caleb Harris. “It’s all about creating that initial positive experience, to light the spark and get people excited about entering the sport.” Camp Fire intends to create many positive initial (and, hopefully, repeat) experiences with kids and families in the outdoors. —Eric Imhof, Program Director

Geoca

ching

Angling

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Outdoors Inks Lake: We Learn To Find Our Way In November each year, Camp Fire Backpackers learn about "staying found" in the backcountry. At Inks Lake the trail is short—good for beginners—and beautiful—great for everyone. The first weekend we had sunny weather, a big group—youth ages 4 to 19!—and lots of time to explore, read maps, follow a bearing, and hang out. The Backpacking: second weekend had originally been scheduled with a full roster of On the Trail participants, but weather forecasts earlier in the week persuaded the with Camp Fire majority of participants to withdraw prior to departure. The weather turned out perfect for backpacking with temperatures in the 40's and overcast, but dry. This allowed the three dads and their children to have a wonderful time. The campers practiced their compass skills by taking a heading and attempting to go from trail to trail through the forest. On Saturday, the campers hiked along the out trails and came back along the lake trail which provided excellent photographic opportunities of the fall colors. One of the dads had a geocaching app and learned that there were multiple geocaches hidden in the park. The campers found two of the hidden treasures. The intimate setting allowed the three dads to participate in the kid-driven games and everyone had a great Saturday night. Sunday provided an opportunity to look for more geocaches in the vicinity of the campsite and along the hike out. The rainy weather finally rolled in on Sunday so the group skedaddled for home about midday. —Mina Loomis and Michael Simmons, Trip Leaders

Camp Fire Backpacking Trip Schedule, Spring-Summer 2015 January 9-11 Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Skills: Fire, Outdoor Safety January 17-18: Pedernales Falls State Park. Skills: Stoves and Meals. February 8: Orientation for New Participants. Bring your friends! February 13-15 & February 20-22: Lost Maples State Natural Area. Skills: Service Project, Knives and Knots. March 14-20: Spring Break Trip, Guadalupe Mountains National Park April 10-12 Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Skills: Fire, Outdoor Safety April 18-19: Pedernales Falls State Park. Skills: Stoves and Meals. July: Pecos Wilderness, New Mexico. Beginner-friendly Mountain Trip.

Want to get started with Camp Fire Backpacking? Youth 6th grade age and older may participate without a parent. Interested younger youth are welcome with a parent. The next Orientation, required before your first trip, will be on February 8, 2015 REI Downtown Classroom, 601 N. Lamar, Austin 3:00-5:00 p.m. Additional Orientations may be arranged as needed.

The Camp Fire Central Texas Backpacking Program Offers Youth: Time to explore in natural settings ! Direct experience with problem solving ! Outdoor skills development and practice! Self-reliance and cooperation ! Healthful physical exercise ! Wholesome friendships ! Nature awareness and appreciation ! Leadership opportunities

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Outdoors Here are some photos of fun at Camp Fire Day Camp October 13, 2014 at McKinney Falls State Park Visit www.camp-fire.org/programs/day-camp/ for upcoming "school's out" Camp Fire Day Camp dates. Sign up early!

WoHeLo! is the Camp Fire Watchword. WoHeLo! means Work + Health + Love

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Our Community Friends of Camp Fire Camp Fire Central Texas is continuing to build its giving programs, and invites you to participate. “Friends of Camp Fire” is our program for contributing and helping Camp Fire programs grow in number and quality so kids and their families can enjoy Camp Fire’s terrific activities. Camp Fire Central Texas deeply appreciates every donor at every level.

Friends of Camp Fire Charitable Contribution Form Camp Fire Circle: a multiple-year giving circle providing long-term support. Call the Office for more information. Camp Fire Friends: one-year gifts of $200 or more: ___$500 ___$350 ___$200 Camp Fire Pals: One-time gifts up to $199: ___$100 ___$50 Name:_________________________________________________________________ Please print your name as you would like it to appear in the Annual Report and other recognition. Mailing address: ________________________________________________________ Phone number:__________________________________________________________ Email address:__________________________________________________________ Please make checks payable to Camp Fire. Return completed form to: Camp Fire Central Texas, PO Box 303040, Austin, TX 78703. For additional information, call the Camp Fire Office at 512-349-2111 or email [email protected]

Remember Camp Fire when you participate in your employer’s annual giving campaign. Share your Camp Fire enthusiasm with your co-workers! Camp Fire Central Texas is a member of Local Independent Charities, a workplace-giving umbrella.

Publisher’s Box The Smoke Signal is published by Camp Fire Central Texas, P.O. Box 303040, Austin, TX 78703. Editor: Mina Loomis Contributors: Rebecca Benz Mary Halaney Eric Imhof Mina Loomis Talena Ramnath Michael Simmons Diana Wheeler Please send submissions to: [email protected] January February 2015 Due by December 15, 2014.

Board of Directors 2014-2015 Cindy Loeffler, President | Diana Wheeler, Vice-President | Chris Crowley, Vice-President | Michael Simmons, Secretary | Denise Meikel, Treasurer |Carah-Beth Bass, Andrew Gates, Alicia Groos, Brian Leto, Thomas Nilled, Katie Pariseau, Margaret Stambaugh, Evan Welsh, Directors Executive Director Rebecca Benz

Camp Fire Central Texas web address: www.camp-fire.org. Find out about program details, donate to support our programs, volunteer, download forms , and read previous issues of the Smoke Signal. Follow (and "Like") us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CampFireCentralTexas .

Our Promise Young people want to shape the world. Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are. In Camp Fire, it begins now. Light the fire within.