Building the Next Generation: Summer Camp Impact In a few weeks, Camp Fire First Texas will welcome hundreds of campers at day and overnight camping programs – just as it’s done for more than a century. While each camper’s journey begins differently, the values, traditions and joy experienced are a consistent connector that spans generations. That is how the story began for each of the Topley cousins – all seven of them – ranging in ages from 7 to 15 years old. Their grandmother came to camp as a child and loved it so much, she decided to work at El Tesoro, Camp Fire’s 223acre camp in Granbury, Texas. She was also the driving force behind a new generation of campers. “It was 2014 and my son was a single father. I realized that my grandchildren needed more. They needed Camp El Tesoro,” said Marsha McGee, grandmother of the Topley cousins. “I am thrilled it has become a tradition for this generation.”
Coming to camp isn’t the only thing that has been passed down in the family. The magic of Camp El Tesoro is something their grandmother realized long ago, and it lies within each of the Topley cousins. Marsha has seen her grandchildren’s passions, personalities and leadership skills blossom. “One grandchild was shy and happy in her comfort zone. At camp she realized she liked
horseback riding and swimming and could step up and lead songs. All of them show that self-assurance and independence gained from knowing you can do it!” Summer camp creates an opportunity for many things: independence, exploration, nature studies and friendships. These benefits don’t end with overnight camp programs. Camp Fire has day and family camps to
expand access to nature and exploration. “There are families who think only a specialty camp is right for their child, but your kid just needs to be a kid,” recognized Marsha. But she points out, “Kids need to be happy and excited to learn. You can try horseback riding, archery, kayaking, arts and crafts - you can actually try cooking on a fire at camp. Allow your child to experience nature and learning on
their own to find out what their ‘thing’ is. You can’t get any of that at a specialty camp.” Last year, program youth and their families spent 97,743 hours in the outdoors during Camp Fire programs alone – an increase of 42% over the previous year.
Fire. “Our communities, our kids, and our families see the benefit of being in nature and the benefit of having Camp Fire guide them through their nature exploration. Our programs encourage youth to develop their own passions which empower them to be confident, try new activities, and build their leadership skills. They are better prepared to take on the world because of what we do.” Marsha agrees, “To be successful you need to have self-confidence, the ability to know you can do whatever is asked and
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. CampFireFW.org | 817.831.2111
Camp Fire’s summer camps, both day and overnight, are the perfect setting to build these life-long skills. Want to know what Marsha’s number one piece of advice is for parents considering summer camp? Go to Facebook.com/ CampFireFW to find out.
See first-hand the impact summer camp has on children. Visit CampFireFW.org to see more.
“These growing numbers speak volumes,” said Brian Miller, vice president of Outdoor Connection at Camp
We change young lives for the better in our community. Inside and out.
be trusted to do it. You need to know you have a passion for something you found yourself, not something someone told you to be. Everything you do at camp is learning those skills.”