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SOME CAMP FIRE PHILOSOPHY
If you're wondering what Camp Fire is all about, here is an excerpt from the Camp Fire Leader Guide that Explains some of it.

HOW DO CHILDREN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM?
First, why do kids need Camp Fire? You've heard the old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Very simply, Camp Fire is that ounce of prevention.

Research on troubled young people almost always shows that they lack four basic things:
() Positive self-esteem
() Decision-making skills
() A positive support system
() Meaningful, socially responsible roles

Camp Fire helps kids get all these things. It improves a child's chances of being successful in today's world. "Successful" doesn't mean lots of money or being the very best. It means being a self-reliant person and contributing citizen.

In any prevention program, the benefits are sometimes hard to see. Some benefits are immediate, like learning to speak in front of a group. Some are long-term, like learning the satisfaction of helping others.

Every child takes away something different from a Camp Fire club experience. The same activity may spark new creativity in one child and teach another to share with a friend.

But the Camp Fire club program is designed to give all children some common experiences. There are five standards of program philosophy which apply to all Camp Fire programs:
Working in a group and making decisions. Programs provide a group experience where young people learn social interaction skills and make individual and/or group decisions. The club becomes a positive support group for its members.
Individual growth and development. Programs provide an environment which builds self-esteem, teaches personal life skills, enhances health and promotes social responsibi1ity.
Appreciation of pluralism. Programs are designed to reduce sex-role, racial and cultural stereotypes and to foster positive intercultura1 relationships. All persons are valued by Camp Fire. This helps build self-esteem and appreciation of differences.
Fun learning. Programs are designed to be fun and to provide a friendly atmosphere which promotes learning. Being involved in making plans for the club adds to the fun and learning.
Leadership. Programs provide opportunities for youths to develop and practice leadership skills. Children take on responsible roles within the club and community. Children feel important to the club, their families and their community.