Camp Fire Patuxent is Ready for Summer Fun with Service

Teens in Camp Fire's Teens in Action program have been busy providing service this past week. High school students helped to deliver a summer program "Unplugged and Reconnect" to children in Southern Maryland. Emphasis was placed on moving away from technology and increasing time outdoors. A group of teens helped to plan the program and with their peers delivered the program which included outdoor skills, hiking, arts and crafts, music, fishing, and cooking. The campers learned a great deal of from the activity and were very excited about coming each day. The campers completed a service project of creating cards for senior citizens living in a assisted living center, following Camp Fire's Motto of "Give Service".

Each day the campers celebrated citizenship with the raising and lowering of the flag, singing the camp song, and sharing their stories about camp as they participated in the program. The program was co-hosted by Loyola on the Potomac Retreat House at their Youth Center. Together with Camp Fire they recruited local youth and helped to provide technical and physical support to the teens for the program. Rosemary Pezzuto, CEO of Camp Fire shared that "the experience that the teens had working with a diverse group of children including typical and challenged youth increased their sensitivity to the needs of children in our community. It was impressive to watch them interact and be supportive of the kids."

Another Group of teens will be hosting a 2nd Camp Week in July---We hope that many of the children will return and join us for fun and a great learning experience. Camp Fire will be hosting a number of teen service projects and teen trips during the summer. For more info contact the program at info@campfirepatuxent.org.

Camp Fire is a National Youth Development Program that provides year round co-educational, inclusive programs for youth 3-22. Camp Fire Program is unique in that it is * Led by professional, caring adults using a proven formula.* Helps develop abilities, now.* Is Open to anyone.* and is Youth participant-led– encouraging true exploration. Youth in Camp Fire participate in activities that help them know more about themselves, their community, and how they can make a difference through service. Activities allow youth to explore the out of doors and the environment around them, engage in activities around the creative arts, explore science and technology, find the spark that interests them and with their adult advisor—explore new skills and interests that will lead them to new area. More info may be found at www.campfirepatuxent.org or by contact Camp Fire at info@campfirepatuxent.org