Camp Fire USA: Omaha, Nebraska

Camp Fire kids partnered with Why Arts visual arts program to develop their very own animation short.  This project gave kids the opportunity to become instant stars once the video hit the Internet.  Not only did Camp Fire youth learn new skills involving computer technology, cinematography, set design and art, they were able to focus on reading and writing in their short’s script development.

We are pleased to welcome Lisset, a former Camp Fire kid, as a staff member in our elementary after school programs.  When Camp Fire’s program at Highland Elementary began in the fall of 2001, Lisset was one of the first kids to sign up.  Lisset stayed in Camp Fire through middle and high school, serving on the Teen Advisory Board to assist with developing the teen program.  She has held many leadership roles in her time with Camp Fire and we are very proud to welcome her as staff.

“Camp Fire staff have constantly showed me that they had confidence in me and believed that I could do great things,” says Lisset.  “I am very excited to teach the kids all of the important lessons I learned while at Camp Fire.  It is very cool that I get to be a positive role model in my own community and represent Camp Fire.”

Are you a former Camp Fire kid?  We want to hear what great things you have been up to since leaving our programs.  Contact Michelle at mzych@campfireomaha.org or 397-5809 ext. 213.

Summer at Camp Fire has been action-packed and we still have a few weeks left to provide kids with lasting memories and great experiences.  Two Camp Fire programs were able to visit Bounce U thanks to the generosity of owner Shawn Williams and the good people at Black Hills Corp. who provided transportation.  The kids had not been to Bounce U before their field trip and did not know what to expect.  They spent nearly two hours bouncing and working up a sweat.  Many of the kids said that this was their favorite field trip yet.

We have many more field trips in the coming weeks and need volunteers to help provide the best experience possible.  When was the last time you visited the Henry Doorly Zoo, the Omaha Children’s Museum or attended an Omaha Royals game?  Contact Ann Biere at abiere@campfireomaha.org or 397-5809 ext. 229 for more information on how to get involved with Camp Fire field trips!

Families from many Camp Fire program sites were invited to participate in a family carnival at Camp Fire’s building at 2566 St. Mary’s Avenue.  With nearly 200 in attendance, kids and their families enjoyed free pizza and salad while partaking in authentic carnival games that included sack races, a balloon toss and the highly popular pie throw.  Camp Fire staff endured whipped cream “pies” in the face courtesy of their favorite Camp Fire kids.

This great event would not have been possible without volunteers from Presbyterian Church of the Cross and the generosity of the Sherwood Foundation.  Thank you to everyone who made the night so special for Camp Fire families!