Well, hello, 2023. What do you have in store for us? Our new

We opened 2022 with a new vision for Camp Fire: We envision a world where all young people thrive and have equitable opportunities for self-discovery, community connection, and engagement with nature. 

That’s a big dream. And we took some big steps last year, including expanding our CAMPER program to increase access to outdoor programs, standing with trans* young people, revamping our definition of thriving, redesigning our awards and recognition emblems as part of our continuing efforts to end cultural appropriation in our organization, and more.  

These are all examples of actions we took because we set strong goals in 2021. Smart goal-setting is a fundamental part of many of our programs and core to our organizational process. We recently collaborated with National Headquarters team members, affiliate staff, alumni, and our Youth Advisory Cabinet to set priorities for the next two years. Led by our mission, vision and values, we considered what young people need and how we can respond to come up with six strategic focus areas for 2023 – 2025:

Uplift the Camp Fire community to build connection to the outdoors, to others, and to themselves. 

This includes increasing alumni engagement, developing professional learning communities for staff, expanding relationships with like-minded outdoor partner organizations, investing in professional development, and promoting environmental stewardship and action across the Camp Fire board. 

Champion a thriving workforce, present and future. 

“This focus was a lightbulb moment for us!” said Shawna Rosenzweig, Camp Fire Chief Strategy Officer. “At Camp Fire, young people explore their interests and passions, develop employability skills, and apply their knowledge to real-world experiences — all things that get young people workforce ready!”

Shawna shared Camp Fire is in a unique position to be able to help young people see themselves in careers where their identities may have been underrepresented, including STEM fields. This focus also includes attention to Camp Fire’s present workforce, especially when it comes to equitable recruitment and retention strategies to ensure representation reflective of program participants through all levels of the organization.

Unify and amplify the Camp Fire brand to maximize organizational impact. 

“Camp Fire is leading the way in diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive programs that build a sense of belonging for young people,” said Shawna. “We often talk about Camp Fire being a best kept secret. Through our partnerships, advocacy, and innovations, we are primed to amplify the amazing work happening across the Camp Fire network!” 

Shawna believes that Camp Fire can be a leader at local, state and national levels in conversations about how to support young people. Camp Fire is already participating in two national U.S. Department of Education initiatives, the National Partnership for Student Success and YOU Belong in STEM, and will continue to look for ways to contribute as a thought leader and proponent of youth voice.  

This goal also includes demonstrating inclusion in all parts of the Camp Fire experience, increasing engagement in brand campaigns (like Absolutely Incredible Kid Day), and continuing to communicate Camp Fire’s benefits in compelling ways.  

“In volatile times, young people and their families and caregivers are looking to us to stand for something, to lead the way, and use our voice to amplify those who may not otherwise be heard,” Shawna said.  

Diversify funding and revenue streams to ensure Camp Fire’s financial sustainability for future generations. 

The vision has to be funded! This goal includes growing philanthropic revenue, expanding our programming into new markets, establishing mission-driven public and private partnerships, and more. 

Address the legacy of organizational practices, past and present, that appropriate Indigenous cultures. 

“We just returned from Washington DC where we spent a full-day mapping out a partnership blueprint, facilitated by the dream team at Third Settlements,” Shawna shared. “We had the opportunity to engage openly and honestly with our partners at the National Indian Education Association to develop a mutually beneficial partnership model. We are creating a new blueprint for how to partner with organizations and communities in a more equitable and transparent way. It’s exciting!” 

This goal also includes investing in professional development resources, building strategies for ending appropriate practices across the network and acknowledging/repairing harm, and promoting the new non-appropriative reward and recognition emblems.

Journey toward equity and justice by advancing inclusion, dismantling racism and oppression in ourselves and our institutions. 

This goal includes recognizing innovative inclusion practices, breaking down participation barriers, expanding relationships with other equity-minded community-based organizations, continuing to build a culture of inclusion, investing in DEIA professional development and partnering with young people on these issues.  

“We hear from young people that issues of inequity and injustice (along with concerns around mental health and the climate crisis) are upsetting, demoralizing, and can feel overwhelming,” Shawna said. “This is where Camp Fire comes in. We can do our part to support young people to learn more, create change, and develop a strong sense of self and community so that they can take on these challenges.”

What area of focus gets you the most excited for 2023? 

The post Getting focused: Our goals for 2023-2025 appeared first on Camp Fire.

That’s why getting out of our human-built structures and into the natural environment is written into our new vision, mission and values. Being in nature teaches us who we are (Earthlings) and how to live (connected to each other and all living things). 

Being outdoors is also just plain good for us. Studies have shown that spending time outside can: 

• Raise our moods
• Decrease stress 
• Boost physical wellness
• Increase self-esteem and self-confidence
• Help us connect to our communities and each other
• Decrease loneliness
• And much more

For young people in particular, nature experiences have been shown to: 

• Decrease ADD and ADHD symptoms
• Help young people with autism connect with their peers
• Decrease mental fatigue and raise concentration
• Increase physical activity and lower obesity and Type 2 diabetes risks
• Relieve anxiety
• And much more

Spending time in nature has overwhelming positive benefits. That’s why Camp Fire takes the nature gap seriously: We believe every young person has the right to get outdoors, and we are working to dismantle barriers that keep socially vulnerable kids from outdoor experiences. 

What can you do to get outdoors—and help increase outdoor access for others—this Earth Day? 

• Contact your local Camp Fire council to find outdoor programming and Earth Day actions. 
• Search for an Earth Day event in your area
• Plan some extra nature time this month with friends and family. Use Camp Fire’s Nature-Inspired Activities guide for inspiration. 
• Use outdoor time and Earth Day activities to talk to the kids in your life about environmental justice. The Children & Nature Network has curated an extensive collection of resources to help guide nuanced, age-appropriate conversations about the interconnected topics of racism, able-ism, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. 

Sources: 

1. “Nature and mental health,” mind.org.uk. 2021. Accessed on 17 March 2022. 
2. “Professional Practice: Health Benefits of Nature,” American Society of Landscape Architects, www.asla.org. Accessed on 17 March 2022. 

The post One of our values: We get outdoors. appeared first on Camp Fire.

When Camp Fire began in 1910, its values were simply “work, health, love.” As we’ve grown and expanded—and as humans continue to better understand ourselves and how we can help each other thrive—our organizational values have deepened. As part of our efforts to refocus on Camp Fire’s why (growing up is hard!), and to wholeheartedly commit to our mission (we connect young people to the outdoors, to others, and to themselves), we also refreshed our values. 

Our values help guide us. They are anchor points along the way as we work toward a world where all young people thrive and have equitable opportunities for self-discovery, community connection and engagement with nature. 

Here’s how we live out our mission and vision:  

Camp Fire works to create safe and inclusive environments, so everyone feels welcome. This means committing to equity, diversity, and access (including breaking down structural barriers to accessing our programs), and addressing the impacts of racism, privilege, white supremacy, bias, and anything else that holds us all back from an equitable and just world. 

Learn more about inclusivity: 

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Camp Fire
• Inclusion Statements: Why specificity matters
• Questioning Power & Repairing Harm: Addressing Cultural Appropriation in Our History
• Camp Fire’s National Youth Advisory Cabinet Stands With Trans* Youth

Camp Fire learns from and respects our planet. Spending time in nature has proven health and mental health benefits, which is one of the many reasons why we get young people outdoors, no matter where they may be. Nature-based learning is a powerful tool for youth development, and nature can be experienced by anyone, anywhere (even bringing a leaf, or rock, or plant inside). We aren’t just consumers of nature – we conserve, protect and steward our natural resources. 

Learn more about getting outdoors: 

• Find a Camp
• Camp & Outdoor Education
• Exploring Innovative Nature Engagement Practices
• CAMPER 2.0: Increasing Camp Accessibility for Historically Excluded Groups of Young People

Camp Fire develops supportive cross-generational relationships. Supportive, trained adults are key to our work. We offer guidance and support during each young person’s dynamic journey to become who they want to be. Developmental relationships are the roots that give young people the chance to grow. 

Learn more about prioritizing relationships:

• Developmental Relationships—are we cultivating them?
• Why equity is essential for developmental relationships
• Camp Fire and Developmental Relationships: How strong connections help kids thrive
• Developmental Relationships in Action

Camp Fire believes one of the best ways to honor the power of young people is to share power with them through meaningful participation and decision-making—in our programs and organizational direction. We respect, honor, seek, amplify, center, and prioritize youth voice; we empower youth; we entrust them with responsibility and authority; we encourage young people to find their spark and lift their voice. 

Learn more about empowering young people:

• How Camp Fire Staff Build Youth-Driven Programs
• Teen Service & Leadership Programs
• Camp Fire’s National Youth Advisory Cabinet
• Camp Fire’s National Youth Advisory Cabinet Stands With Trans* Youth

Camp Fire helps young people (and adults!) know themselves. Self-discovery is an adventure. We invest heavily in training and professional development for the adults who serve our youth, because all young people deserve to be supported by skilled, capable, knowledgeable, supportive adult mentors, and because like the youth we serve, we are on a learning journey as well. Staff, board, volunteers, youth—we are all a community that is growing towards thriving, together. 

Learn more about learning: 

• Camp Fire National Staff Continue to Lead in Their Fields
• Growth Mindset: Your Key to Thriving
• 3 Simple Ways to Grow a Growth Mindset

Camp Fire encourages young people to advocate, organize, and work for change in their communities and beyond. This has been a core value since we were founded in 1910; As an organization and as individuals, we can make an impact now. 

Learn more about taking action: 

• Hate Has No Home in Camp Fire
• Celebrate Earth Day: Work for Environmental Justice
• Message from our CEO: Expressing Solidarity with Our Black Youth and Families
• Camp Fire’s National Youth Advisory Cabinet Stands With Trans* Youth

Camp Fire has continually adapted and evolved since 1910 to respond to what young people need to thrive. Each local council has the autonomy and flexibility to customize its programming to best support youth, families, and the local communities they serve; because they are the ones best positioned to listen, learn, adapt, and respond to those needs. 

Learn more about responsivity: 

• New Year, New Vision
• Camp Fire connects young people to the outdoors, to others, and to themselves
• How we moved Camp Fire forward in 2021: Part 1
• How we moved Camp Fire forward in 2021: Part 2

We seek out the newest research, practice every-day innovation, and meticulously measure results—all to help young people thrive in a complex world. We know Camp Fire changes individual lives, families, and communities, so we work to show that data and tell those stories. 

Learn more about making an impact: 

• 2020-2021 People & Impact Report 
• 2019-2020 People & Impact Report
• People & Impact
• Becoming Who We Want to Be

The post Camp Fire’s Values Deepen as We Grow appeared first on Camp Fire.

“We are thrilled to have Maggie, Renee, and Amber’s rich Camp Fire experience and work in youth development to help guide the organization at a national level over the next several years,” said Greg Zweber, Camp Fire National Headquarters CEO. “Growing up is hard, which is why Maggie’s perspective as a young person navigating the world today is so needed at a leadership level. Renee and Amber can speak to the first-hand impact of Camp Fire in their communities, and together, these three additions to the National Board is extremely exciting.”

Maggie Bailey, YAC Chair

Maggie Bailey is a junior at Carroll College in Helena, Montana. She will be graduating in May 2023 with a double major in biochemistry and molecular biology with a minor in sociology. Since she was three years old, Maggie has been involved in Camp Fire, starting in clubs and attending camp. She has been a camp counselor, a youth member for her local council’s board of directors, a national youth advisory cabinet member, and has obtained her Work Health Love reward. Maggie is the secretary for her college’s Circle K club, a community service-based club, and a research intern for an analytical chemistry project through Carroll College funded by NASA. She enjoys skiing, hiking, swimming, and spending time with her dog, friends, and family in her free time.

Amber M. Grundy, Ph.D., CEO, Camp Fire River Bend

Amber has been involved with Camp Fire and Camp Tannadoonah since 1985 as a camper, counselor, waterfront director, board member, and now a full-time staff member. She was the Camp Tannadoonah Director from 2006-2017 and has served as Chief Executive Officer for Camp Fire River Bend since 2011. Amber earned her doctorate in Developmental Psychology from the University of Notre Dame, with a research focus on middle childhood and early adolescence. Amber has worked on several different research programs, looking at parenting during the transition to adolescence, testing a new treatment for elementary and middle school students with ADHD, and an intervention program for first-time offenders in the Juvenile Justice System. In addition, she has been an adjunct assistant professor in the psychology departments at the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College, and Bethel College. She has taught Introductory Psychology, School Age Growth and Development, Developmental Psychology, Adolescent Development, Research Methods, and Statistics. Amber and her husband, Chas, are parents to four young campers – Avery (12), Elyse (10), Kieran (5), and Harrison (3).

Renee Meek, Executive Director, Camp Fire Green Country

Renee Meek is the Executive Director for Camp Fire Green Country in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Renee joined Camp Fire in 2015 after eight years with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, serving in roles from event coordinator to Chief Development Officer for the statewide organization. She has extensive experience in nonprofit management with a proven track record in fundraising and donor development. Prior to starting her career in non-profit, she worked in corporate marketing, advertising, and sales.  Renee graduated from Oklahoma State University and lives in Tulsa with her husband Dan of 17 years.

Welcome Maggie, Amber, and Renee! 

The post Camp Fire Names Two New Council CEOs and Youth Advisory Cabinet Chair to National Board of Trustees appeared first on Camp Fire.

To that end, we’re thrilled to share THREE big announcements about some of the incredible things our team is doing!

Nikki Roe Cropp

Director of Program Effectiveness, Camp Fire National Headquarters

We are proud to announce that Nikki Roe Cropp has achieved her Praesidium Guardian certification! Nikki has been with Camp Fire National for almost 5 years but began her career with Camp Fire at a local affiliate—Camp Fire First Texas. Nikki is currently the Director of Program Effectiveness and in her role, Nikki oversees all aspects of program effectiveness – from curricula, to evaluation, to staff development. Nikki stated that “youth protection is fundamental to program effectiveness” and that you cannot “deliver effective programs without a strong abuse prevention framework.”

Since attending Certified Praesidium Guardian, Nikki’s work has revitalized the commitment to child abuse prevention and reminded everyone of their responsibility to protect youth. Thank you for all your hard work and congratulations on becoming a Certified Praesidium Guardian, Nikki!

“Nikki has worked incredibly hard, even outside of the bounds of her Impact Project, to ensure youth are safe. We are incredibly proud of her and look forward to her continued learning and growth! We know she will continue to make a profound impact.” – Praesidium Guardian Coach

Jason Peerce

Manager, Training & Development, Camp Fire National Headquarters

Jason Peerce is now on LEAD’s Board of Directors!

Let’s Empower, Advocate, and Do, Inc. (LEAD)’s work focuses on mental health, an issue that has a direct impact on every single person. As you can imagine, mental health is a particularly important topic these days and LEAD’s programming is booming, and the need for it is growing immensely as we approach the winter months.

“LEAD couldn’t be more excited to have your skills, talent, and camp perspectives on our Board as we enter the New Year!”

Hannah Patterson

Evaluation Manager, Camp Fire National Headquarters

Hannah Patterson has been included in the National Afterschool Association’s Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders!

NAA’s Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders identifies young leaders and recognizes and cultivates the talent of afterschool evangelists who have the potential to influence the field of afterschool for years to come. The selected emerging leader honorees will have: demonstrated contributions that have started to influence beyond individual programs to organizations and communities, a proven passion for developing themselves and others, active engagement in efforts to elevate the afterschool field, and demonstrated persistence in their work to grow as leaders.

“This group of leaders represents the creativity, dedication, and commitment of the best of our next generation of the afterschool profession. We are honored to recognize them because we know the important role strong leadership plays in promoting positive outcomes for the children and youth.” – Gina Warner, President and CEO, National AfterSchool Association

The post Camp Fire National Staff Continue Lead in Their Field appeared first on Camp Fire.

As we discussed in Part 1, and as you’re well aware, 2021 was a weird one. Was it its own year, or did 2020 just…keep…going? While the pandemic continues to warp our experience of time, 2021 snaps into focus when we look at the progress we’ve made on the five goals driving our five-year vision. In Part 1, we covered the progress made on the first three goals (DEI and access, anti-racism and ending cultural appropriation) with Ben Matthews. Below, two more of Camp Fire NHQ’s finest walk us through the steps we’ve taken on youth participation and environmental stewardship.

Hannah Patterson, Evaluation Manager and Youth Advisory Cabinet /Mark Your Mark leader, has been a conduit for Camp Fire’s youth voice in 2021. Partnering with Thrive Paradigm, she and Ben Matthews led the new Make Your Mark initiative,  an outgrowth of Camp Fire’s work to address and end cultural appropriation in its organization.  Make Your Mark brought eight young people together (from different councils and geographical locations) for four sessions. The goal? Make recommendations on how to replace awards and recognition items that had been using appropriated designs or practices.

“We had really great engagement,” Hannah shares. “They showed how important it was for them to have a voice in these changes by showing up. We had some really heavy conversations around stereotyping and appropriation—some participants personally had gowns and appropriated items from their councils—but they kept participating.” 

The group came to a consensus on their recommendations—badges that visually represent the award topic and the need for councils to create meaningful, but non-appropriative, rituals for recognition ceremonies, for example. Their recommendations will go to the Youth Advisory Council, and the two teams will regroup in 2022 to vote on design directions. 

Hannah emphasized that the experience of the initiative was as important as its outcome. It meant a lot to these young Camp Fire members to be leading the process. “I loved the comfortable atmosphere to be able to express my opinions,” said one Make My Mark member on a feedback survey. Another shared: “I learned that Camp Fire involves youth in a lot of their decisions, and that they are more focused on the uniqueness of the child instead of a regimented organization.” 

The Youth Advisory Cabinet also underwent some important changes in 2021. The new cabinet just began meeting in November and will meet monthly with Camp Fire’s National Leadership Team. This direct tie-in with the leadership team and the monthly meeting cadence are updates that will help Camp Fire regularly, efficiently integrate young people into the decision-making process. “It’s the consistency of it,” Hannah says. “This isn’t just a one-and-done thing. We are consistently asking young people for their opinions.” 

One of the most important steps Camp Fire took on the environmental front this year was working with Informed Change to explore council approaches that were really working. The result was an in-depth report,  Exploring Innovative Nature Engagement Practices: Supporting Camp Fire’s Commitment to Promote Environmental Stewardship and Action. 

Nikki Roe Cropp, Camp Fire’s Director of Program Effectiveness walked us through why the report was pivotal for the organization’s progress: 

“The work Informed Change did for us really brought to life the innovative outdoor programs councils are offering and solidified that relationships are the essential thread that’s woven into all Camp Fire programs.  I had always thought of youth development as a tool to enhance nature-based learning—infusing positive youth development practices into nature-based learning—but the report helped me see how nature-based learning can be used as the tool to deliver positive youth development—that engagement with nature can be the catalytic agent for learning, developing social-emotional skills and building impactful relationships.   

I love, too, how the report shines a light on how many of our outdoor programs promote diversity, equity, inclusion and access in very intentional ways. Our network has a huge opportunity to learn from these councils and scale practices and programs that might be useful in other similar communities where Camp Fire exists.  The stories inspire all of us to take a look at our current programs, policies, and practices and ask ourselves how we can make them more inclusive and equitable.

Camp Fire NQ is excited to take the learnings from the report to re-envision the role of nature across Camp Fire programs.” 

What’s next in Camp Fire’s environmental journey? Nikki shares: 

• “In the new year, we will be updating our foundational training for program staff to include specific consideration on how every Camp Fire program can engage more deeply with nature, while keeping equity and access at the center.  
• We will also be co-creating a Thriving in Nature toolkit, providing programming around the four areas of engagement with nature mentioned in the report—comfort, connection, care and conservation.  
• We are also updating our youth survey to include questions specifically about nature engagement to truly capture the impact it is having on Camp Fire youth.  
• Most importantly, we are going to continue to engage our local councils in sharing ideas and creating these resources for the network; we acknowledge that they are the experts and that any product we deliver for them has to include them.”

How can you help Camp Fire moving forward? 

Donate to promote equitable, youth-driven, nature-focused programming

Volunteer at a council near you. 

Sign Up for our newsletter to stay connected 

The post How we moved Camp Fire forward in 2021: Part 2 appeared first on Camp Fire.

Can you believe it? We’re staring down the last days of 2021. If you are asking yourself two simultaneous questions—Wait, I thought it was still 2020? and Shouldn’t we be in the 2030s by now?—you are not alone. It’s been a weird one, friends. Weird, hard and…good? 

Meditating on shared accomplishments is an important reflection practice that can be helpful when stress, trauma and change messes with our experience of time. Remember all the way back in January, when Camp Fire unveiled our new five-year vision? We’ve made some significant progress towards our goals this year; let’s check in with some Camp Fire staff to help us run through the highlights. 

Ben Matthews, Camp Fire’s Diversity and Inclusion Program Consultant, was at the frontlines of Camp Fire’s work toward our first three goals. Ben shared some of the important steps (or leaps!) Camp Fire has made in 2021: 

• “Camp Fire Columbia has continued to find funding and make physical improvements at camp to increase accessibility. ‘The Sherwood Project’ will replace eight of their existing cabins with fully accessible cabins that were designed through a series of focus groups with diverse groups of staff and campers. 
• Several CAMPER (Camp Accessibility, Meaningful Participation and Equal Representation—a three-year initiative) camps had success in implementing gender-neutral restrooms and housing, and others will follow next summer.
• Camp Fire developed new Learning Lab Professional Development courses on creating accessible and adaptable activities for youth with disabilities and working with young people with neuro-diversities. We’ve also provided professional development resources on equitable hiring and building inclusive and equitable workplace cultures.
• Camp Fire is working to update and implement national DEI and access standards to ensure quality programming and access across the network.”
• What’s Next? Ben shares: “We’re excited to say not only was the CAMPER grant renewed for another three years, but the amount was increased significantly to include a new cohort of summer camps and support to the entire network!”

• “Camp Fire National Headquarters continues to prioritize learning and unlearning through bi-weekly DEI meetings where we discuss the histories and current effects of systems of oppression.
• Camp Fire members are learning to name and own our place as individuals—and as an organization—who live within existing systems of oppression.
• We are cultivating new community partnerships and ensuring voices of color are not only present, but elevated.
• We are sharing power and resources through community partnerships and outreach.
• As mentioned before, we have developed professional development resources for equitable hiring and building inclusive and equitable workplace cultures.”

• “Our new Cultural Appropriation Self-Assessment tool for councils will help organizations start examining their local practices.
• Our new Know Your Council’s History guide helps councils tell their full stories in context with what was happening with Indigenous and other communities of color at that time.
• To end the use of culturally appropriated designs and practices, we created Make Your Mark, a youth-driven process to reimagine Camp Fire’s rewards and recognition process and items. 
• Camp Fire has developed a guide (and live webinars) for our councils on reparations, mapping council assets, and cultivating mutually beneficial relationships with local Indigenous communities.”
• What’s Next: Ben gives us a preview: “Non-appropriated replacement rewards and recognition items resulting from Make Your Mark will be released in 2022.”

Think that’s all Camp Fire accomplished in 2021? Nope. We’ve got updates on two more of our five essential goals: Honoring the power of young people with meaningful participation in decision-making and promoting environmental stewardship and action. 

https://campfire.org/blog/article/2021-part2/

The post How we moved Camp Fire forward in 2021: Part 1 appeared first on Camp Fire.

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 7, 2021 – The National AfterSchool Association (NAA), the voice of the afterschool profession and lead organization for the advancement of afterschool professionals and leaders has announced that Shawna Rosenweig, Chief Strategy Officer of Camp Fire National Headquarters, has been elected a member of the association’s National Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shawna Rosenzweig to our National Board of Directors,” said Gina Warner, President and CEO, NAA. “Her experiences and insight will add valuable perspectives to the Board as they work to amplify NAA’s mission and the future of the afterschool profession.”

From the Middle East to Sesame Street, Shawna has spent two decades working in the field of Positive Youth Development, bringing with her expertise in curriculum design, civic engagement, and program quality improvement in out-of-school-time and camp settings. Shawna joined Camp Fire in June 2012. In her current role as Chief Strategy Officer, she is responsible for the development and implementation of Camp Fire’s strategic initiatives, manages affiliate program and support services, and diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. Shawna holds a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Education & Applied Psychology from the University of California Santa Barbara.

An estimated 10.2 million young people participate in afterschool programs each year and the industry employs an estimated 850,000 professionals and leaders. NAA is the professional membership association that fosters positive youth outcomes by supporting, developing, and advocating for afterschool professionals and leaders.

# # #

Contact:

Gina Warner

gwarner@naaweb.org

504.460.5107

The post Camp Fire Chief Strategy Officer Shawna Rosenzweig Elected To The National Afterschool Association (NAA) National Board of Directors appeared first on Camp Fire.

Two nights ago, eight people were killed in violence across three Asian-owned spas in Atlanta, six of them being Asian American women. We are devastated by this news. As we mourn and reflect, we also want to take action in solidarity with the Asian American community inside and outside of Camp Fire. Asians/Asian Americans (of all Asian ethnicities) have been continually targeted and increasingly attacked throughout American history. Hate-fueled violence is not a thing of the past but continues to this day. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, there have been 3,795 reported Anti-Asian hate incidents. In 2021 alone, StopAAPIHate has reported 503 incidents in less than three months. Violence takes many forms, including the words we use. We have said it before and we will continue to say it – there is power in words. Racial slurs, jokes, and offensive name-calling are all acts of violence that perpetuate hostility towards AAPI communities.

Our kids are paying attention. Some may be fearing for their own or their family’s safety; others are looking to adults as an example as they wonder how to show up in this moment. In fact, today is Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®, a day when we call adults to encourage the young people in their lives. Today we say to you, the Asian/Asian American youth in our programs, we see you, we support you, and we will continue to work to create spaces free of hate where you feel safe and have every opportunity to thrive. It is unfair and unjust that you or anyone in your family or community has experienced any hate because of your race and ethnicity. You are amazing and inspiring. We will advocate with and for you. We will work for positive change in the future.

Hate has no home in Camp Fire. One of our strategic commitments over the next 18 months is engaging in actively antiracist practices. One antiracist practice is taking some kind of action in the face of inequality, inequity, and hate. We want to share some actions you can take (where to donate, who to follow, what to read, etc.), as well as resources on how to talk to young people about hate crimes.

*We have been aware of the term APIDA – Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans. If it was not clear above, this message is for those who identify with that term as well. We see you.

• How to Help Combat Anti-Asian American Violence: https://www.thecut.com/2021/03/atlanta-spa-shooting-how-to-help-where-to-donate.html
• Take (free) Bystander Intervention Training: https://www.ihollaback.org/bystanderintervention/
• PBS.org Daily News Lesson & Discussion Questions – Asian Americans Face a Wave of Discrimination During the Pandemic- https://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/daily-videos/daily-news-lesson-asian-americans-face-a-wave-of-discrimination-during-the-pandemic/
• Not in Our Town – https://www.niot.org/ – a movement to stop hate, racism, bullying, and build safe, inclusive communities; resources for schools, families, and law enforcement
• Facing History – https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/not-our-town– Not in Our Town activities for youth
• Stop Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Hate – https://stopaapihate.org/
• Anti-Asian Violence Resources – https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/
• Asian Americans Advancing Justice – https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/
• It’s Time to Support AAPI Women – https://fortune.com/2021/03/17/its-time-to-support-aapi-women/
• “A Really Bad Day” Will Never Be an Excuse for Killing 8 People – https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/03/10371827/who-is-robert-aaron-long-atlanta-massage-shooting
• Beyond Empathy: Combating Racism Against Asian Americans – https://clubexperience.blog/2021/03/16/beyond-empathy-combating-racism-against-asian-americans/ 
• Action Items – @kimsaira + @annie_wu_22 (click images to view on Instagram)

• More resources from @kimsaira (click image to view on Instagram)

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Camp Fire Names Global Business Leader Ken Schoeneck of
Ingersoll Rand to its National Board of Trustees

Schoeneck brings 32 years of technology and business innovation experience to the national organization

National youth development organization Camp Fire is proud to share that Vice President of Engineering & Technology for the Trane Commercial HVAC, NA & EMEA Strategic Business Unit (SBU) at Ingersoll Rand, Ken Schoeneck, recently joined its Board of Trustees.

Schoeneck oversees the full spectrum of the engineering & technology agenda within Trane Commercial HVAC, developing engineering talent, intellectual property, technologies, products and processes to achieve the SBU’s long-term business objectives and business growth aspirations.

“Ken’s aptitude for innovation and leadership are exactly what Camp Fire needs as we look at how we can best serve youth and families in the years to come,” said Greg Zweber, Camp Fire National Headquarters President & CEO. “Every Board needs a mind that can see where we have been, and where we want to go, in a way that is strategic as well as inspired. Ken’s leadership experience at Ingersoll Rand will benefit Camp Fire for many years to come.”

An advocate for applying the rigor of the Business Operating System and Ingersoll Rand’s Product Development Process, Schoeneck has helped to create value for customers, channel partners, and the company itself; his leadership also has helped reduce costs, improve technologies, create more innovative products, and achieve increased speed to market.

Prior to his current role, Ken served as vice president of engineering & technology for the Trane Residential HVAC SBU at Ingersoll Rand where over a four year period, the business refreshed nearly 75 percent of its product portfolio, including the noteworthy launches of the Variable Speed, 14/16 SEER and Next Generation Furnace system offerings.

“Camp Fire has always been forward-thinking and constantly moving in a state of thinking about the future, ways it can innovate and improve. It is clear that Ken knows how to do exactly that,” said Board Chair Jane Parker, and CEO of Interbrand Health. “I know Ken’s experience will only bring value to the organization.”

Prior to Trane Residential HVAC, Ken led engineering & technology for the Industrial Technologies sector, where he was instrumental in leading a global team that brought innovative new products to market. He joined Ingersoll Rand in 1989 in the Leadership Development Program, progressing through roles in engineering, service, aftermarket, general management and product management in Industrial Technologies, Ingersoll-Dresser Pump Company and the Ingersoll Rand Pump group.

Ken is a past Industry Member of the C.C. Cameron Applied Research Center Advisory Board at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Ken holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University and a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University.

For more information on Camp Fire, please visit campfire.org and follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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ABOUT CAMP FIRE

Camp Fire has been an inclusive, innovative leader in youth development since 1910. Its proven programs give kids the life skills they need now so they can succeed and thrive. Last year, Camp Fire’s
53 councils served more than 187,000 youth and families across 25 states and in D.C. All Camp Fire programs are based on cutting-edge research and founded on the pillars of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), delivered through Out-of-School-Time (OST) programs, environmental education and camp, and teen service and leadership development. Because youth shape the world, Camp Fire’s focus is on giving youth and teens the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are. For more information, visit campfire.org

For more information please contact:

Erin Risner, Director of Marketing & Communications, Camp Fire National Headquarters

816.285.2001, Erin.risner@campfire.org

Austin Rinker, Quillin Advertising, Public Relations and Social Media

515.991.0447, arinker@quillinlv.com

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