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Camp Fire USA - A New Ministry for Children ages 5 - 7
Dear Parent:
Welcome to the Starflight program of Camp Fire USA, Central Ohio Council.  Our group members are children ages  5 to 7.

Leadership:
I am Lisa Norris, mother of two children, Audrey, age 3, and Manning, age 5.  Manning will be in our club and I’m very excited to get started!  I am excited to be involved with the Camp Fire USA and give Manning (and in a few years, Audrey) the opportunity to learn about service and leadership roles, as well as earn badges and go camping, with a group that is inclusive to all persons.
 
We have the support of our local Central Ohio Council Office, which will be sending a representative, Lisa Graham. The first informational meeting, March 21, 2010 at 12:30 pm in the Peace Room at King Ave UMC.  The local council office has ensured that I have passed a statewide background check and am qualified and trained to lead the club.

Meeting Time/Date/Place
We will be meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, the first and third Tuesdays of each month at King Avenue UMC in the Peace Room. 

Expectations of Parents
While you do not need to stay for the club meetings, you may find it nicer to stay and socialize with other parents and enjoy some coffee.  I would certainly appreciate having a few more hands.  However, you are also free to enjoy some kid-free time on your own!  I know how nice that is!  We will need parents to share their skills, drive and chaperone when we have field trips or campouts, and provide snacks.  As the children advance in their skills, they may need to work on some activities at home in order to earn a new rank or emblem.

Costs
Annual registration: $15
Uniform Vest:  $16 (to be purchased by September).
Occasional emblems or award stickers, ranging from $1 to $2
Club Dues: $1 per child per meeting.  Please help your child learn responsibility by having them earn the $1 by doing special chores at home.  The children will keep track of the club treasury and plan their activities with our guidance.  There will be an optional candy sale that can supplement the club treasury if we choose to participate.

Typical Meeting
A typical meeting consists of the following:
An opening, such as reciting a pledge or singing a song
Business (Attendance and dues)
Craft or Project
Game or physical activity
Snack
Closing

What is Camp Fire USA?
Camp Fire USA is a youth scouting organization celebrating its 100th year this year!  Camp Fire became co-ed in the 1970s and prides itself on being welcoming and inclusive.  In Central Ohio, our council is focused on reunited children and nature.  We are nature lovers and we understand that children thrive, both mentally and physically, when they are able to play in nature.

Camp Fire program curriculum is based on five trails:
1.    Trail to Knowing Me
2.    Trail to Family and Community
3.    Trail to Creativity
4.    Trail to the Environment
5.    Trail to the Future

Program curriculum and suggested activities are developed on sound youth development principles identified in a study by the Search Institute during the 1990s.  Upon completion of the study, forty development assets were identified as essential to create positive building blocks for youth to become successful adults. The Camp Fire books and activities are based on these 40 developmental assets.

Camp Fire traditional club programs are divided into levels based upon the participant’s age and are identified as:

Little Stars: Preschoolers
Starflights: K-2nd Grade
Adventure: 3rd to 5th Grade
Discovery: 6th to 8th Grade
Horizon: High School

All of Camp Fire’s programs have four important qualities: (1) progression, (2) variety, (3) partnership between youth and adults, and (4) rewards and recognition.

Questions?
Call or email Lisa Norris, Club Leader, or Lisa Graham, Camp Fire USA Central Ohio Club Coordinator. Lisa Norris: 6144.620.5948; lisalnorris@yahoo.com.  Lisa Graham: lisa@centralohiocampfire.org; 614.481.8227.
 
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King Avenue United Methodist Church • 299 King Avenue • Columbus, OH 43201 • p:614.424.6050 • f:614.297.8858