Camp Fire of Snohomish County plans its annual WoHeLo luncheon fundraiser at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Everett Holiday Inn, 3105 Pine St. More than 300 people are expected to attend.
National Camp Fire CEO Cathy Tisdale plans to talk about the nonprofit’s new look along with a new curriculum for older children that was developed by the Thrive Foundation for Youth.
Camp Fire offers co-ed, inclusive programs for youth ages 3 to 17. The local organization is known for Camp Killoqua, a summer hot spot, and during the school year has clubs, activities and after-school day camps for students. Programs focus on self-esteem, self-reliance, respect for diversity, leadership development and other character-building traits.
The local council, based in Everett, served 7,466 children and teens across all of its programs last year, said Michael Deal, the nonprofit’s operations director.
“We’re always looking to grow,” Deal said, adding that’s a goal of the national Camp Fire organization and part of its “revitalization” effort that resulted in a new logo, theme and other changes. “We want Camp Fire to be available for as many kids as possible.”
The local council has kept a balanced budget for two decades, he added. “We’re one of the stronger councils in the nation, right here in Everett.”
Many folks know about Camp Killoqua. Less-known programs include a summer camp for children struggling with grief, a program for those with devleopmental disabilities and a school-year outdoor education program.
One of the group’s after-school club programs focuses on low-income children, helping them participate by taking club meetings to their apartment complexes. Self-reliance classes teach kids life skills, such as dealing with peer pressure, making a healthy snack, how to be safe and more.
The new curriculum for students ages 10 to 17 is called Step-It-Up-To-Thrive. The program aims to help all youth discover and nurture their strengths and share them with the world around them. The Snohomish County council was among 10 regional groups to pilot the curriculum over the summer.
Seats for the luncheon are available. Entrance is free; donations will be solicited at the event.
To reserve a seat, contact Deal at 425-258-5437 or mdeal@campfiresnoco.org.
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