Highlights from the Annual Meeting
Camp Fire USA Minnesota Council
Camp Fire USA Minnesota Council's annual meeting was held January 25, 2010. Dr. Michael Resnick gave a keynote speech and youth from Yorkdale Townhomes shared what Camp Fire means to them. Camp Fire recognized the organizations and individuals who have gone above and beyond in devoting their time and resources in 2009. CEO Marnie Wells also presented a recap of 2009 and introduced Camp Fire's three-year strategic plan, which will guide our work as we strive to grow and improve.
Youth Voices: The Impact of Camp Fire
The youth at Yorkdale Townhomes, an affordable housing complex in the Twin Cities, love coming to Camp Fire. They often arrive early, peek around the door and say, "Is it time yet?" Everyone is welcome and included at Camp Fire. Their positive attitudes and spirit of fun make working with them a joy.
Youth from Yorkdale Townhomes spoke about what Camp Fire means to them.
"I like going on field trips and seeing new things, like when we went to California Pizza Kitchen and got to make our own pizzas and see the kitchen," said Henok, age 9. "I also liked eating the pizza."
See all of what Henok had to say.
"I get to do my homework at Camp Fire," said Kristen, age 7, "and I like getting help when I need it."
See all of what Kristen had to say.
"Going to Camp Fire is really fun," said Asia, age 11. "The kids are respectful and nice and let everyone play the games."
See all of what Asia had to say.
"I would be very bored without Camp Fire," said Gavin, age 10. "I really like that we get to try lots of different things."
See all of what Gavin had to say.
Yorkdale Townhomes is owned and operated by CommonBond Communities, one of the largest nonprofit affordable housing developments in Minnesota. At Yorkdale Townhomes, club members are engaged with activities and excited to be in club two days a week.
Michael Resnick: Youth Development and Out-of-School Time Programs
Annual meeting attendees had the great privilege of hearing from Dr. Michael Resnick, a leading researcher in the fields of adolescent health and healthy youth development and a professor at the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Resnick spoke about the barriers to healthy youth development and about how out-of-school time programs can help youth to grow and develop. Youth need adult mentors they can talk to and look up to, Dr. Resnick said. Parents and teachers can serve as adult mentors, but youth often need other adults they can connect to as well. Dr. Resnick challenged everyone at the annual meeting to be a mentor to the youth in their lives.
Honorees
The following organizations and individuals were recognized with awards at Camp Fire's annual meeting:
Lindquist & Vennum, PLLP, for outstanding ongoing pro bono legal services.- NorthMarq, for generous pro bono brokerage services.
- David Minkkinen, for 11 years of service on Camp Fire's Board of Directors.
- The McKnight Foundation, for outstanding financial support.
- Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation, for oustanding financial support.
- Twin Cities Housing Development Corporation, for five years of partnership and for their dedication to providing the best services to youth and families.
- PricewaterhouseCoopers, for their spectacular volunteer effort in support of Camp Tanadoona.
- Nancy Stiller, for her lifelong commitment to Camp Fire and her recent work above and beyond all expectations as Camp Fire's financial consultant.
2009 Accomplishments
CEO Marnie Wells shared some of Camp Fire's highlights from last year:
- This past year, we served over 1,500 youth through Camp Fire clubs. Our clubs run year-round and focus on providing low income youth with opportunities to learn and develop skills in safe environments.
- Over 700 youth attended summer camp at Camp Fire's Camp Tanadoona.
- This past year, with overwhelming, generous support from our donors and funders, we were able to provide a record 75 youth with financial aid so they could attend summer camp.
- Camp Fire's former Camp Ojiketa became a regional park.
- Despite a difficult economy, Camp Fire donors and funders contributed 50% more than the previous year.
