CAMP FIRE FIRST TEXAS

Youth Development Programs-Camp Fire First Texas offers youth programs serving children from ages 4-17 years, including after school programs, teen programs, all-day summer camps and school break programs. After school programs have STEM focused activities, tinker spaces and meaningful adult interaction, youth are encouraged to explore their interests in a project-based approach. Additionally, each site provides homework assistance and dedicated time for outdoor exploration. Camp Fire's Teens in Action program provides year-round support to middle and high school students to remain actively engaged in school, graduate and prepare for a promising future. Teens in Action combines small group meetings, college and career site visits, field trips, community volunteering and mentoring to promote commitment and follow through and inspire vision for the future. The program boosts confidence, builds self-esteem and develops leadership skills. Youth are encouraged to reach for their dreams despite lifes circumstances and ultimately become adults who build society and give back to the community.

Early Education Workforce Development Programs-Camp Fire First Texas provides professional career development workshops, courses and conferences for directors, owners and teachers working in childcare centers and family home childcare programs. These learning opportunities provide professional development, skill advancement and networking. Courses are high-quality and led by registered early childhood instructors in person and virtually. The Camp Fire First Texas Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP) is an educational and career pathway building program. The first U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program for early educators in the State of Texas, the EEAP includes paid on-the-job-learning, coupled with educational courses and one-on-one coaching in the classroom from a Camp Fire mentor.In 2023, Camp Fire launched three new EEAP programs: pre-apprenticeship for high school students with the Fort Worth ISD and part-time early childhood educators; Early Childhood Educator II (ECEII), equivalent to an associate degree; and Early Childhood Educator III (ECEIII), equivalent to a bachelor's degree. School Readiness Program (SR). Camp Fire's School Readiness Program helps make the most of a child's earliest years when 90% of brain development takes place by providing on-site mentoring, professional development and educational materials to early education programs in the Fort Worth ISD. The program improves childcare teachers understanding of child growth and development. This enables them to provide an environment and teaching that encourages childrens skill development, builds literacy skills and increases interactions between the programs with local schools to support childrens preparation for kindergarten.