Building the Next Generation: Volunteering Camp Fire First Texas is dedicated to instilling each generation with the values of volunteering and sense of fulfillment that comes from serving the community. Millennial alumni are stepping into leadership roles at Camp Fire, two of whom are in their first terms on Camp Fire’s Board of Directors. “It is important to have young professionals on our board,” said Camp Fire Board Chair and Sr. Vice President of Bank of Texas, Bill McCoy. “They bring a valuable skill set and new perspectives to the board’s deliberations.” Jarrett Jackson first crossed the swinging bridge at Camp El Tesoro as a staff member. At 21-years-old, he thought he was done with camp and on the verge of entering the professional world. “I grew up as a ‘camp kid.’ Camp was my place. My mom didn’t really understand this, but the first year I went she saw a noticeable change in me,” he explained. It was only two weeks into the summer before his senior year of college when his best friend and roommate was killed in a car accident. “I was in a rough place. I had spent every summer
since I was 12 at camp and I wasn’t sure what to do.” He got a call from a camp friend working at El Tesoro who encouraged him to work as a summer counselor. Hesitant at first, he decided to take the plunge. “I needed to be around camp. The spirit at camp is just different. It fills you.” It was one of the best decisions he’s ever made.
51% of Camp Fire’s board members are 45 years or younger with 15% being under 30 years old. 15% 30 years or younger
36% 31 – 45 years
49% 46+ years
A few years later, Jarrett met Ann Sheets, Camp Fire President & CEO at a community board shadow event. He wasn’t sure how to get involved but emailed her to let her know he’d like to do whatever he could to help Camp Fire.
When asked to serve on the board, he didn’t hesitate, “El Tesoro meant so much to me in my early 20s and changed my life. I wanted to make sure other kids – even young adults – have the opportunity to find out who they are,” said Jarrett. He recognizes not all youth will be able to attend camp, but he sees the same energy and ability for youth to belong and have meaningful experiences happen at the after school and teen programs offered by Camp Fire. Katie (Bucher) Briggs grew up in a Camp Fire Club. “My mom and her friend, Linda Vigness, started our school club in second grade at Tanglewood,” she said. Her most vivid memories centered on camping trips at El Tesoro – and selling candy. “We did at least two group camping trips a year,” Katie said. “My mom and Linda were hard core.” Camping excursions focused on skills like cooking out on a fire, being able to way find on forest trails and knowing how to manage a campsite. “It was intense, but so much fun and why I have a love of camping to this day.”
Katie (Bucher) Briggs
Jarrett Jackson
In 2015, Katie was at a point in her career where she wanted to expand her community involvement. A CPA, she was invited to join the Finance Committee at Camp Fire, then later joined the board.
about nature and get unplugged. I also love that the after school programs provide a safe place for youth and that they aren’t home alone.”
“I was thrilled to become involved. The core values are the same as my youth, even though the programs look different.” She decided to take her first step of volunteering with Camp Fire because of her history, but found it was the mission and the programs Camp Fire offers that continues to fuel her involvement. “Children need a safe place to be outside, learn
Ready to get involved? Camp Fire’s blog has 10 questions to ask that will help you find the best fit. CampFireFW.org/Blog
Camp Fire First Texas programs are for boys, girls and adults and include camping, after school programs, teen services, environmental education, early childhood education and school readiness. We change young lives for the better in our community. Inside and out. CampFireFW.org | 817.831.2111
Katie encourages other young professionals that “if an organization has touched your life dramatically like Camp Fire has mine, it’s our role to step up, volunteer and give back. Sometimes you don’t know exactly what your contribution will be, but I know I am here for a reason. Everyone has a unique perspective to bring.”