Camp Fire, with national headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., provides all-inclusive, coeducational programs in hundreds of communities across the United States. This program began in 1976 and is offered to mostly low-income, ‘at risk’ children from 17 schools in Wichita Falls. The children are transported in 10 vans to Camp Fire’s Harrell Park, where staff members lead them in programs and activitie
s which address issues facing today’s youth. They are taught skills which help them to positively deal with issues of anger and insecurity. Our After-school program prepares youth for the challenges of tomorrow and develops in them a sense of self-worth and confidence which will serve as the foundation for their becoming well adjusted, contributing members of the adult community. This past year we served 1055 children. The Traditional Club program is the most familiar of our five major segments. Each club is composed of an adult volunteer leader and co-leader, coming from all areas of society and ethnic backgrounds. These clubs have a participating membership of six to twenty children with an average club being made up of 10 boys and girls. Our membership is growing this year. Our excellent outcome-based curriculum and developmentally appropriate curriculum are written so that the leader and co-leader can take the programs and present them without a lot of preparation and figuring what they will do at their meetings. The programs are organized into five subject areas called trails…Trail to Knowing Me, Trail to Family and Community, Trail to Creativity, Trail to the Environment, and Trail to the Future. The children receive emblems and other forms of recognition to mark the completion of projects. McRel Educational Standards are used in developing these programs. Camp Fire Day Camp starts no later than the 2nd Monday in June every year at Harrell Park, operated by Camp Fire North Texas. Campers may register for one session or for all three at the Camp Fire office. You do not have to be a member of Camp Fire to attend. Swimming lessons will be taught daily, with free time splashes scheduled in the afternoon. Qualified lifeguards are on duty at all times. The program is planned to fit the age of each camper. Groups are arranged so that 10 to 12 campers are supervised by an adult camp Counselor assisted by a high school Jr. Counselor. Activities include swimming, cookouts, nature studies, leaf prints, singsongs, dough art, camp crafts, fishing, dancing, games, sports, hikes, play acting, reading, archery, and storytelling. Canoeing is a favorite activity for those 4th grade and above. Campers will make their home under the trees at Harrell Park. The A. January Lodge is located on the camp grounds for shelter during rainy weather.
