Dear Friends,

At Camp Fire First Texas, we know that having a “growth mindset” is essential for exploring and discovering your spark. We believe the learning process is equally as important as the learning outcome and that talents can be improved over time. Camp Fire First Texas embraced this growth mindset in 2022, with notable successes in each of our programmatic focus areas and throughout the organization.

Our focus areas of Early Education Workforce Development, Youth Development, and Outdoor Connection experienced significant growth, along with the development of new initiatives that will enable us to reach and impact more youth for years to come.

Within Early Education Workforce Development, the Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP) expanded, with 20 apprentices graduating in August 2022 and approximately 70 apprentices enrolled for the 2022-23 program year. EEAP enables devoted early childhood educators to embark on supported career pathway opportunities and potentially earn post-secondary degrees and marketable certifications that increase their likelihood of staying in a work field that desperately needs their passion and expertise.

In Youth Development, our Teens in Action program grew by approximately 100%, with 194 students served during the 2021-22 program year. Students were able to get the most out of their spring and summer breaks by visiting colleges and universities and exploring a wide range of career options. They also learned through S.T.E.A.M. experiments and further increased their knowledge of healthy relationships and social responsibility to thrive in today’s world.

In the Outdoor world, the Texas Outdoor Education Center at Camp El Tesoro provided 33 school groups and more than 2,600 participants with hands-on, outdoor science opportunities. This allowed students to learn more about nature and bond with their classmates and educators in a unique (and fun!) setting. Thanks to the generous investment of the Leo Potishman Foundation, Lake Leo quickly became a favorite of Camp El Tesoro visitors, with a new fishing dock and a lake stocked with fish that provided fond and lasting memories for many. With all of the great news surrounding our programs, you should also be proud to know that Camp Fire First Texas met its 2022 budgeted financial goals. Our signature fundraiser events, El Tesoro de la Vida Benefit Dinner and An Artists’ Christmas, enjoyed continued success in their 34th and 38th years, respectively. Additionally, high demand for afterschool, summer day, and overnight camps, as well as successful grants and major gifts efforts, contributed to the sustained financial health of Camp Fire.

Thank you for partnering with Camp Fire to empower those we are entrusted to serve and those that fulfill our mission each day to have a “growth mindset.” As we continue to make bold strides to build up our next generation of leaders, we will continue to honor the legacy of many that have made Camp Fire First Texas the reputable community staple it has been for 108 years.

Going Higher Together, Chair, Board of Directors Interim President / CEO, Camp Fire First Texas

Mission

Camp Fire First Texas invests in North Texas communities by providing out-of-school time and outdoor learning programs for children and youth while also offering workforce development programs for early childhood educators.

Vision

We envision a community in which every child has equitable access to the learning opportunities they need to succeed and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Values INCLUSION

All are welcome at Camp Fire.

DATA-INFORMED

We collect and apply data to continually improve existing - and inspire newprogramming.

Growth Mindset

We believe the learning process is equally as important as the learning outcome and that talents can be improved over time.

Collaboration

We go higher together by partnering within the communities we serve.

HANDS-ON LEARNING

Learning from experience is a hallmark of all our programs.

Whole Child Approach

We recognize that social-emotional, physical, creative, and academic skills are all intertwined and equally important in learning.