Camp Fire First Texas

Igniting a Lifetime of Spark

Camp Fire’s Camp El Tesoro, a name that echoes with the warmth of a crackling campfire and the laughter of friends, has been my second home. It's more than just a place; it's where I learned to build fires, forge friendships, and find solace in the rhythm of nature.

I’m too young to remember, but I’ve seen a picture of me getting a bath in the sink of the old Health House – my mother would serve as camp host for winter camping. I spent hours on that camp ground. As I grew older, I spent countless summers exploring the trails, riding horses, and building lasting bonds with fellow campers. The horseback torchbearer program, with its initiation of a dunk into the horse tank and the overnight under the stars, remains one of the most cherished experiences of my youth.

Camp El Tesoro taught me invaluable life lessons. It instilled in me a deep appreciation for the outdoors, a sense of camaraderie, and the ability to connect with others on a profound level. The laughter shared around the campfire, the adventures in the creek, and the constant signing have shaped who I am today.

As I reflect on my time at Camp El Tesoro, I am filled with gratitude for the impact it has had on my life. It is because of this profound connection that I made a promise to myself: to give back to the place that has given me so much. While I may not be able to single-handedly rebuild the barns or provide unlimited tack for the horses, I can contribute monthly and become a "Spark Igniter."

By supporting Camp Fire, I am not only helping to ensure that future generations can experience the magic of El Tesoro, but I am also fulfilling my own personal mission to give back to the community that has shaped me. It is a small but meaningful way for me to ignite the spark of adventure and discovery in the lives of others.

My girls have been going to Campfire since they started school. They are now 7 and 11 years old. We have done the afterschool camp, the day camp, and the El Tesoro overnight camp. We really enjoy the variety of activities that each camp provides and the friendships that our girls have made along the way. For the day camp, their favorites are the swim and field trip days. For the overnight camp, some of my daughter’s favorites are the swim games and photography. She also says that the food is amazing!

All the camp staff and support staff have always been so helpful and caring. As a household with two working parents, the exceptional service that Campfire provides is greatly appreciated. We look forward to many more years to come!

Camp Fire First Texas is a phenomenal organization and their mission truly helps North Texas children, families, and early educators. I have attended several of their fundraising and organization events and have had thoroughly enjoyed them!

My kids have gone to Camp Fire for the past 5 years. Every year, I’m so grateful Camp Fire is offered at their school. Aside from having somewhere to go while I’m at work, my kids enjoy spending time with their friends and doing the fun activities offered. My family has built relationships with the staff who are always kind, caring, and professional. I know without a doubt my kids are in good hands. Management are also understanding and easy to work with.

I have been part of Camp Fire First Texas for over 25 years! I first began my involvement as a camper at Camp El Tesoro and spent every summer of my youth attending their camp. As an adult, I've been privileged to volunteer my time at Camp El Tesoro De La Vida every summer. Camp Fire First Texas has done an incredible job of giving kids the opportunity to spend time outside and grow into confident leaders. I owe so much of my personality, my career, and my life to the lessons I've learned at camp. I met my husband at camp, I've made countless friends, and memories. It is incredibly rewarding to pay it forward with an organization that has changed my life.

Camp Fire First Texas has become my home. I started at Camp El Tesoro in 2022, and I quickly knew that this place was special. I am so thankful that I get to continue my journey with El Tesoro AND Camp Fire First Texas. I cannot wait to see my children grow and flourish in this environment!

What a great place! Camp El Tesoro is a place that all kids can thrive, learn, and lead.

Participating in youth programs and volunteering with Camp Fire First Texas has significantly shaped me into the adult I am today! My journey with Camp Fire began when I was in elementary school as a camper at Camp El Tesoro. My parents couldn’t afford to take our family on summer vacations, but they prioritized saving up to send me to El Tesoro during the summers because they recognized the value of the program. I went on to develop leadership skills through the Counselor-in-Training program and spent my college summers working on camp staff.
During college I also began volunteering at El Tesoro de La Vida, the special week of grief camp at the end of the summer season, and it is one of the most meaningful experiences that I get to look forward to each year. I recently completed my 13th summer volunteering at DLV, and one of my fellow volunteers in my cabin this year was actually a former DLV camper who is now giving back to the program that helped her as a child.
I carry the lessons and values from Camp Fire with me into my professional life as well. My CIT and counselor experiences are the reason that I studied education in college and went on to become a teacher. I spent 9 years in the classroom as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher, and although I don’t live in the DFW area, I keep up with Camp Fire First Texas’s Early Education programs through the newsletters and social media. It’s so great to see an organization that I love also doing meaningful work in a field that I’m passionate about. Now as an elementary school counselor, the experiences and connections I’ve made through DLV have been a huge help as I develop my skills in this new career path.
If the strength of a non-profit is measured by its impact on the community, then I can’t imagine a stronger non-profit than Camp Fire First Texas. This organization considers the needs of the whole child, from early childhood through adolescence. Many of those children continue to be involved throughout adulthood and even through multiple generations as their children and grandchildren experience the magic of Camp Fire and Camp El Tesoro.

With over 20 years of volunteer years with Camp Fire First Texas, I have personally witnessed this amazing organization impact, influence and inspire youth through their outdoor learning programs, including therapeutic speciality camps. From diversity in their hired staff, to diversity in their volunteer ranks, Camp Fire First Texas makes it easy for youth to find someone they can connect with—someone they trust, someone that motivates and inspires them, someone that cares for them—fully supporting Camp Fire's vision of equitable access to the tools and resources they need to succeed and thrive. Specifically, I've been blessed over these many years to watch youth at two specialty camps face challenges, learn new skills, discover the healing qualities nature provides, and overcome mental and physical challenges. And today, many of those youth are giving back to Camp Fire by volunteering themselves—they've gone full circle, and now give back to an organization that literally changed their lives. It does not get any better than that!

Camp Fire has provided a life-shaping element to my life. I bet at least once a week I will still be reminded of an experience at camp, or perhaps a song. My mother went to El Tesoro and was a Camp Fire Girl in the 1940's. She & Daddy would volunteer at camp when we kids were still little. I remember my brother waking up in our cabin & saying "Look, there is Mother Nature!" And I've loved the feeling of living in nature ever since! As I got old enough, I went to El Tesoro 13 summers. The relationships that developed as a natural outcome from sharing life and responsibility were primary. Another aspect that has stood out to me is that we learned so many skills! Everything from building a "one match fire" to waterfront lifesaving skills to how to encourage others to take part in a group and be appreciated for who they are. At camp, you are placed in a cabin with potential friends you may have not connected with otherwise. And so, we learn to appreciate the uniqueness of each person, rather than measuring others by how similar they are to us. My experiences at Camp El Tesoro still are a blessing to me today. My faith grows , as there is something about the beauties in nature and in really getting to know other folks that draws me closer to our Creator.

I worked at Camp El Tesoro the summer I was 20 and it changed my life. Camp helped me become the responsible adult I am today. Without Camp I'm not sure where I'd be.

Just spent another unforgettable weekend at Camp Fire El Tesoro. I shared Family Camp Weekend with my daughter and her grandson (my great-grandson.) El Tesoro never disappoints! It was a weekend of endless activities and adventure. We participated in canoe/kayak, team building, fishing, outdoor cooking, archery, movie night, smores, arts & crafts, and woodshop. There were a couple of other activities that were on the schedule, but we decided to just hang out and enjoy the natural environment. Every meal was delicious and nutritious! I must include a big shout out to the wonderful staff who are always around to help participants enjoy their stay to the fullest.

I love volunteering for Camp Fire First Texas. You can see life impacts immediately. You know you are fertilizing the soil of life for the kids of DFW. The staff is dedicated to making investments into the lives they encounter. While Camp El Tesoro has provided countless memories for kids of all ages, the organization has blossomed into other critical arenas such as education, teen enrichment, life skills and after school activities. I'm proud of the work they do all year long. And I know the children who come in contact with that work is better for it.

I was first introduced to Camp Fire when I moved to Fort Worth. I have always been involved in helping non profits as a volunteer and feel that giving back is important. I was able to start volunteering with Camp Fire in 2008 and had a short term role in 2009 in their Development department to help fundraise through relationship building and grant writing. Through this opportunity, I learned even more about their programs and the populations they serve. The work Camp Fire does for our local youth is amazing. From early childhood through high school, they are focused on education and on helping children, parents, teachers and caregivers learn how to succeed. I am always impressed by the way they run their programs and by the impact they make on our community. I'll continue to volunteer and support their mission as long as I am able!

For the past 7 monthsI have been working with the Campfire organization and have 30+ hours of volunteer time. I have seen the amazing opportunities and experiences they have provided for the kids. My 2 favorite experiences were taking the kids on a tour of 2 colleges which presented possible opportunities for the children to continue growing. My other favorite experience has been the multiple times I have spoken to the kids about my careers presenting them with ideas for their future career.

Camp Fire First Texas is an exceptional agency. As a former employee, a former client and participant, and a current volunteer, I've seen how they operate inside and out and they are top notch. They run their organization with their mission in mind for all needs and decisions; and operationally it is solidly managed from the top down. It is a well-known organization in North Texas, based on its history, leadership and services offered. Our North Texas youth are better served with Camp Fire First Texas being here.

I have had a very welcoming and wonderful experience with Camp Fire's Teens in Action program this summer! They have promoted such a great inviting environment not only for me as a volunteer but for the students in their program as well. They ensure that all students are included in their activities and promote a safe and enriching environment. It has been such a pleasure to be a part of this opportunity!

I first became aware of all Campfire does when my husband was chair of the board around 2008. We also sent our daughter to summer camp, beginning the summer after her 2nd grade school year. We loved hearing about all her adventures and great stories from camp, including the friends she made and fun camp counselors who were there teaching songs, guiding so many activities and all left a great impression on her summer after summer. I recently became more involved as a volunteer with Campfire when my husband and I were honor chairs of An Artist's Christmas fundraiser Fall of 2021. We were quite involved in the planning committee, helping to obtain live and silent auction items as well as spread the word about the event and all Campfire does for the community. I then served on the planning committee again as a volunteer Fall of 2022. I am most impressed by Campfire because of the incredibly valuable services and education they offer to early educators, specifically its apprenticeship program. Additionally, Campfire provides after school care for a number of schools in the Fort Worth area. Another gem of a program is the Teens in Action for teens in 7th -12th grades. Weekly leadership classes are provided free of cost. Campfire also provides a Counselors in Training (CIT) program for teens and young adults who would like to become a camp counselor. I am also so impressed with Campfire because they offer De la Vida camp in the summer, for children who have lost a family member. This camp provides counselors to help with the grieving process while providing a list of fun outdoor activities for the children to engage in as well. Lastly, another very important reason Campfire is near and dear to my heart is because they stand for inclusivity. As stated on their website: " Campfire believes in the dignity and intrinsic worth of every human being..... We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive relationships". Can't say enough about Campfire, its leadership and the incredibly positive impact it has on the Fort Worth community!
Evalis Chapa

A wonderful organization that follows through on its mission!

I'm a board member for Camp Fire First Texas and as an experienced nonprofit leader and fundraiser, I'm very impressed with this organization. I own a fundraising consulting firm and often lend my expertise to this nonprofit. They are following best practices and keep the board informed of their good work.

Camp Fire First Texas is such a great organization! They have so many varied programs to help teach and guide children. I have volunteered for almost 30 years with the grief camp they run - El Tesoro de la Vida- and I can tell you firsthand how impactful the camp is on the kids who attend.

My son want to camp for the First time! He love it, Came Fire First Texas is the best he can’t wait to come back! Keep up the good work can’t wait to see you again

I've worked with Camp Fire for 2 years, and I love that it isn't just after school care. They want to help kids learn about their passions and the community and nature around them, and we have a curriculum to do so. It is really a great organization.

I have worked with many non-profits over the years but must say Camp Fire First Texas is the BEST. Such a commitment to children and bettering their lives with learning and education. They run an amazing Camp (Camp El Tesoro) and have a week where the bring in children who have lost a parent or sibling due to death. An AMAZING week. Quality organization with a BIG HEART and GREAT LEADERSHIP!

I grew up in in Fort Worth as a Camp Fire kid. I participated in club and camp programs. My career path was shaped by what I learned in Camp Fire. The career was successful not just because of my skills, it was being able to serve as a leader, colleague, mentor and good citizen.
I returned to Camp Fire 20 years after graduating high school to work on professional staff, and 10 years later, I took a job with the national office of Camp Fire.
Camp Fire in Fort Worth is one of the absolute best organizations in the nation.
As the world has been changing, Camp Fire in Fort Worth has adjusted to the needs of youth in our local community. I was very proud of the work that the Fort Worth Camp Fire worked with corporate leaders and determined that the people taking care of children need training to prepare these children for the work force in the 21st century. That began over 20 years ago and continues today.
Mary Helen Franko

I am an artist and have been involved with Artist Christmas for many years now. I am always delight to be involved and support Camp Fire because of all of their programs and great work they do to support children in our area. They work tirelessly to generate wonderful programs to help children learn and grow.

We have participated in Camp Fire's "An Artists' Christmas" art auction for more than twenty years. I am so impressed with their range of programs that help children of all backgrounds have a sense of purpose, achieve their full potential, lead a healthy lifestyle, be environmentally conscious, and stay in school.

I have been a part of Camp Fire First for almost six years and I can say that this is a child-centered organization. Every program, staff & focus is on supporting the “whole” child. The first of it’s kind Apprentice program, is just another way Camp Fire is always being innovative. I am so proud to be a part of this team!

We absolutely adore our CampFire staff with Fort Worth ISD @ Westcliff Elementary. They are seriously the best and Rosalia always goes above and beyond to check on our son, make things fun and even share grace with us when we've forgotten something he needs. We are so, so thankful for this crew at Westcliff. Because they work so hard to make it fun for the kids, we can work hard knowing they are safe and having a great time! :)

Camp Fire's Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP) is one of the first of its kind and a leader in Texas! It is helping to change the landscape of early childhood educators and create pathways for career, leadership, post-secondary degrees, entrepreneurship, and more while elevating the essential field of child care... SO incredibly grateful for their work and advocacy!

First rate group of compassionate professionals that have the welfare and futures of our kids in mind in all they do.

I am a new board member and long time supporter of Camp Fire First Texas as a member of the Artist's Christmas gala committee. I got involved when a friend reached out for assistance on the committee and stay involved because of the focus on early childhood and adolescence. Growing up I did not have the type of opportunities Camp Fire First offers and have always been awed by the stories shared by friends who grew up in North Texas about Camp El Tesoro. As a volunteer and now board member I love that I have the opportunity to help shape the impact Camp Fire has on the community.

Camp Fire First Texas is all about helping children and youth realize their full potential and supporting the adults in their lives to do the same. The relationships the staff builds with the kids they work with helps them to see their value and realize their possibilities in school and in life.

As Camp Fire Alumni I KNOW the incredible work that CFFT does every day. There are so many life skills that I learned in Camp Fire programs that make me a better person.

This org is dedicated to serving youth and their families through research, evidence based care and programming.

Wonderful organization getting kids involved in outdoor education, making positive and meaningful memories, and support needs of youth development.

I began my work with Camp Fire First Texas in 2010 as my "retirement gig". I'm still here 10 years later, because it gives me hope that we are making the world a more welcoming place for children and youth.

Camp Fire helps youth dig deep inside and discover their "sparks," their personally defined nuggets of potential. Helping a young person become who they want to be takes time and encouragement. It takes paying attention to what sparks a passion. At Camp Fire, that's what we do. We listen, we encourage, and we provide the opportunity to uncover each young person's unique interests. We help youth become the exceptional people they are destined to be, buoyant with potential to do anything they dream of doing.

Camp Fire is led by professional, caring adults using research based best practice methods. Program leaders are highly trained role models, who encourage young people to be all they can be. Camp Fire is open to everyone. We embrace the uniqueness of every youth, teen, and family we serve. Camp Fire is participant-centered--identifying passions and sparks. Youth are actively engaged and are given a voice, which helps build self-esteem and self-reliance.

Camp Fire First Texas is one of the best managed non-profits in our area. The Board and Staff work collaboratively together to serve the youth with programming that is imaginative and meets committee needs. As a child, my favorite Camp Fire experience was camp. The outdoors is a learning space that teaches about our creation, the environment, in a caring and fun atmosphere. El Tesoro, the gem of Camp Fire First Texas is an outdoor experience designed with children and youth in mind. A must experience!

Camp Fire First Texas greatly influenced my two sons early on in their young lives. As a new parent, Camp Fire's onsite child care center provided high-quality care that truly gave my sons a head start in their education. Nurturing staff, combined with structure and age-appropriate learning, helped my sons not only learn their ABC's but gain confidence and important social skills as well. Camp Fire's day camp program and family camping helped my sons explore nature as well as activities like archery, which my youngest son still enjoys to this day. So when Camp Fire says they help young people ignite their "spark" they really mean it!

We love Camp Fire First Texas! My child has been involved in several programs, including summer day camp and afterschool at Diamond Hill Station. The staff and leadership have such a heart for youth, and do so much to make kids feel special every day. We love the emphasis on personal responsibility, creativity and empathy. We've made so many memories through Camp Fire and can't wait to get involved in more.

My children have been involved with Camp Fire First Texas since they were five and two- years old. That has spanned 15 years. I cannot speak more highly about the role and impact these programs have had on my boys. Now, with a third kiddo who is just now old enough to start day camps, we are looking forward to starting a new journey through the programs. Camps, day camps, after school and teen programs are outstanding.

As a past board member and current volunteer I continue to be impressed with the leadership and staff. A first rate organization.

Camp Fire has so many wonderful programs that help children in our community, like their overnight camp El Tesoro in Granbury as well as the week-long overnight grief camp, which provides support and counseling to kiddos who have lost a love one. The benefit of counseling in this week-long camp environment is so impactful for youth dealing with grief.

Camp Fire also offers after-school programs on-site at elementary schools which is so convenient for the children as they don't have to be transported to another location for care. They can stay in school and get care until parents get off work to pick them up! Both of my children have attended Camp Fire after school programs.

I highly recommend Camp Fire!

Camp Fire First Texas is a wonderful organization with a wonderful mission. I've been proud to support Camp Fire First Texas with my time and resources for more than a decade.

Camp Fire programs are full of fun, encourage a growth mindset and expose kids to new ideas and experiences. I can't say enough wonderful things about their camp programs - overnight and family camp at Camp El Tesoro. My son attends the day camp program in North Fort Worth at Diamond Hill Station, he loves the staff and can't wait to return each day. We love Camp Fire First Texas!