This fall we kicked off our 13th year of after-school programs. Wow, what a great accomplishment. This program has grown from one site to eleven sites, serving over 1,000 at-risk children and youth in Grand Rapids. As the program grows, so do the opportunities that we can provide for kids. We are very excited to introduce a new after-school literacy program at Sibley Elementary School. The YET (Youth Education for Tomorrow) program is a collaborative effort of the Heart of West Michigan United Way, Grand Rapids Public Schools, and Public/Private Ventures. The YET program is an intensive and fun literacy program that has documented results that show significant reading improvements for children. We are hoping to further extend this project to our after-school programs in the future.

Did you know that Camp Fire USA West Michigan Council has an AmeriCorps program? Do you know what AmeriCorps is? Our AmeriCorps program is entering its 9th year. This program provides an opportunity for individuals to serve their communities and address critical needs. Our AmeriCorps Program Director, Pam Bland, recruits members to serve in our after-school and summer programs working with children and youth. The members earn a living stipend and an education grant/award at the completion of their service term. If you or anyone you know is interested in this program, please contact Pam Bland in our office at 949.2500 ext.30.

Camp Fire USA West Michigan Council needs volunteers for several of our programs. If you are interested in working with children and youth, you can volunteer in our afterschool or summer programs. If you like to help with fundraising, you can serve on our event committee. There are several volunteer opportunities, just give us a call at 949-2500 ext.21, Melinda will be happy to direct your inquiry to the right staff member.

For the past year, we have been searching for our Camp Fire Alumni as we prepare for our Centennial Celebration in July, 2010. We are hoping to reconnect with our alumni, all girls and boys who were part of our program and form an alumni club. One group of alumni members have started working on service projects. Alumna, Marjory Koster, attended our Alumni Tea in 2009. At this event, Marjory shared a story of a project that she created during her time as a Camp Fire girl in 1935. During this time she created a rag doll pattern that could be used by the club as a service project to give these dolls as Christmas gifts to needy children. After hearing her story, several alumni were interested in re-creating this project and donating the dolls to a local charity. The project was modified and recreated by 12 Camp Fire alumni at several meetings. To date over 100 dolls have been completed and will be donated to the YMCA’s Woman’s Shelter and Bethany Christian Services Woman’s Shelter.

Igniting learning of West Michigan Youth through Quality Opportunities and Experiences
After-School and Summer Programs AmeriCorpsVolunteer & Leadership Training
Waters Circle 1257 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 Phone: (616) 949-2500 Fax: (616) 949-7081 www.campfireusawmc.org

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