Letter from the Executive Director

For 97 years, Camp Fire USA has been building caring, confident youth and future leaders. The Wathana Council takes pride in delivering quality programs for all children ages 3-17 throughout southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio.

In less than three years, Camp Fire will be 100 years and the stories of how Camp Fire programs have helped our kids keep coming in. They are overwhelming. We hear how our programs have enriched the lives of the children we have touched and helped make them the adults they are today. We hear how skills and confidence nurtured in youth have served for a lifetime. We know that Camp Fire programs really do make a difference!

Today Camp Fire programs are better then ever. We serve 212 communities. We serve boys, girls and families. Just imagine the impact we have, the difference we make!

I am proud to be the Executive Director of the Wathana Council. I have had the opportunity to see Camp Fire programs work first hand. I have watched kids get on a bus, fragile and timid, and get back off the bus one week later pleading to their parents and Camp Fire personnel, "I want to stay! I don't want to leave!" And this after just one week! With adequate resources, more of our programs can be extended to nine months.

It is a gratifying feeling, this process of building caring and confident youth. It is my goal as Executive Director to make our programs available to as many children as possible. We have outstanding summer and after-school offerings which today's kids need more than ever. I'm a true believer in helping a child become tomorrow's leader. That is why I am here. I am one person who wants to make a difference. And I know that there are many more of us out there. Camp Fire's reach is limited only by its resources. Finding those resources is the challenge we and many other non-profits face.

I wish to extend a special thank you to the 2005-2006 Board of Directors and the Executive Committee for providing a vision and a road map to the Wathana Council of Camp Fire USA; for furthering our mission and spreading the good word; and for moving forward on securing resources. All these accomplishments will allow us to serve our children well over the next five years. The leadership and skills of the Board and the Executive Committee shine tremendously. You are each "One Person Who Makes A Difference."

WO HE LO

Linda Tarjeft, Executive Director