Local Organization Creates Successful Summer Camp Experience

Bolingbrook, IL -- Camp Fire Illinois Prairie (Camp Fire) has begun final preparations for its summer 2019 camp experience, after successful implementation of thriving youth development theory in the 2018 season.

An endeavor that began back in 2012 determined if youth thriving indicators could be positively influenced through key actions by caring, trained adults. Camp Fire’s research showed a statistically significant positive influence on youth thriving indicators along with increased development of skills to succeed. In addition, Camp Fire gained knowledge on the scaling and training of key concepts that can further the use of the thriving framework in the positive youth development field.

In 2012, The Thrive Foundation for Youth invested in an initiative to explore an approach referred to as “Step-It-Up-2-Thrive.” Camp Fire was in the lead group of organizations tasked with taking the most current research on positive adolescent development and putting it into practice. Camp Fire has adapted and implemented this methodology and has named it “Thrive{ology}.” The intention of Thrive{ology} is to positively impact youth—their purpose, life, and social skills.

The 2018 camp season saw success in Thrive{ology}based programming, with camper families leaving positive feedback such as the following:

“We wanted to thank you for creating a wonderful camp experience for both of our children. Each evening, we ask the children what made them smile for the day and, invariably, camp was always #1 in their answers.”

“My children valued the leadership the counselors provided and enjoyed their participation as well. We cannot thank you enough as we plan for next year!”

According to Camp Fire National Headquarters, Thrive{ology} is, in effect, the 21st century manifestation of what Camp Fire has been since 1910.

“When youth focus on their own personal development through learning, practice, and reflection, they are significantly more likely to thrive,” said Cathy Tisdale, President and CEO of Camp Fire National Headquarters. “At Camp Fire, we believe that everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from, has the ability to lead. We cannot wait until adulthood to start teaching the skills necessary to be a great leader. We need to equip youth with the tools now.”

By reflecting on the past seasons of summer camp, Camp Fire is positioned to bring an enriching and engaging experience for the 2019 camp season. The Thrive{ology}approach supports youth to achieve their full potential through four components:

• Identifying and growing “Sparks” with the support of Spark Champions.
• Adopting a growth mindset (the belief that you can learn new skills all the time).
• Building goal management skills.
• Creating the opportunity to reflect on activities and outcomes.

Ms. Tisdale emphasized that the program creates a unifying common language about what “thriving youth” actually means and why it matters. “It contemporized our program framework to ensure alignment with the conditions necessary for youth to thrive over time and is regarded by us at headquarters and many of our council leaders and program staff as a ‘game changer’ for the movement at a critical point in our transformation,” she concluded.

As preparations are finalized for camp to begin June 10, 2019, Camp Director, Ryne “Ranger” Hanz, and Assistant Director, Amanda “Betta” Held, want families to know that it is not too late to sign their campers up for sessions.

“We are preparing an amazing experience for our campers,” said Ms. Held, “It is my hope that we can touch the lives of as many campers as possible. We want our campers to know that their sparks matter and that they can be leaders right now. Summer camp is the perfect outlet to share this, all while combining in the magic of being in the outdoors. It’s going to be a great summer,” she concluded.

About Camp Fire:
Camp Fire is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit youth development organizations, serving youth, teens and families in communities across the United States. Camp Fire programs are research-based, delivered where youth and families are via out-of-school time, environmental, adventure and summer camps, team building, and teen service and leadership programs.
Because youth want to shape the world, Camp Fire’s focus is giving youth and teens the opportunity to find their sparks, lift their voice and discover who they are. Camp Fire programs are proven to develop young peoples’ skills now so they can reach their full potential. For more information about Camp Fire or to sign up for sessions at camp, visit www.campfireusa-illinois.org.

Article Submitted by Michael Carpanzano, Volunteer Bolingbrook Patch Mayor