National youth organization establishes Yuma chapter
Yuma area youth will have the opportunity to learn about leadership,
self-reliance, camping and the environment with the arrival of a national
organization.
Camp Fire Boys and Girls is pitching tents here to help children realize
their potential, be responsible and have respect for themselves and others.
Cindy Szloboda, physical education teacher at Yuma Lutheran School and
founder of Camp Gold Rock, a summer youth program, received certification to
establish the 126th council, or chapter, that will serve Yuma County.
Szloboda said she learned about the organization when she volunteered over
the summer at a camp in Long Beach, Calif., where the program was used.
"After I had done the camp, I realized it was wonderful (because it
promoted values)," Szloboda said. "Kids really need to get involved
and have something to work toward. Child development is an ongoing
process."
To make Camp Fire programs available to youth in Yuma, Szloboda had to
compile a needs assessment and also go through several weeks of training.
Szloboda said Camp Fire is similar to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in that
participants receive badges for completing programs, which are curriculum
based. However, it combines both girls and boys, unlike the scouts.
She also said Camp Fire is not taking the place of other youth organizations
in Yuma such as Big Brothers-Big Sisters. "We would like to partner up
with them," she said.
Applications are currently being accepted for Camp Fire, and an
introductory event will be held Jan 10th in which sponsors and possible
members are encouraged to attend and learn about the program. The free event
will include a sit-down lunch at noon at the Yuma Civic and Convention Center.
Szloboda said since Camp Fire is a nonprofit organization, it will operate
primarily on membership fees - $20 per child - and
local donations. Funds received from individuals or businesses will be
used to sponsor children interested in the program and to pay for programming.
Tools the camp will need to function include staff, books and other
materials. Szloboda said the camp will also be needing volunteers, board
members, transportation and fuel.
"My main goal is to make sure all children receive self-reliance
through schools," Szloboda said.
Self-reliance, which focuses on self-esteem, self-confidence and
friendship-making skills, is taught in school classrooms or through other
youth organizations.
The program would be incorporated similar to the Drug Abuse Resistance
Education program, in which Szloboda or another qualified educator would go
into classes for one hour a week.
Szloboda hopes to start the programs in January.
"There are many facets, and it's a wonderful program for youth
development," she said.
Anyone interested in helping or registering children can call Szloboda,
928-580-KAMP.
