LOCAL CAMP FIRE USA COUNCIL IS AWARDED

CENTENNIAL CHARTER

Crystal-engraved Charter reflects traditional Camp Fire symbols

part of its 100-year history

SANTA ANA, Calif., Nov. 18, 2009—Camp Fire USA Orange County Council was awarded a commemorative 100-year crystal charter in honor of Camp Fire USA’s upcoming centennial in 2010. Fifty councils of the 84 nationwide received these crystal-engraved charters at Camp Fire’s recent annual National Leadership Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, home to Camp Fire headquarters.

Orange County Council CEO Ericka Waidley accepted the award on behalf of the Orange County Council. “Since 1956, our Council has been serving Orange County families, children, and youth so this commemorative charter is a fitting recognition of that tradition,” said Waidley.

Gwen Whitson, Camp Fire USA’s board chair since 2006, presented the awards. “These beautiful crystal Centennial Charters serve to remind us not only of a magnificent past, but also of a great future for Camp Fire as we move into our next hundred years. We have never been more relevant as an organization, and our services have never been more needed.”

Etched in crystal, the charters reflect the organization’s rich 100-year history of service with traditional Camp Fire symbols representing the value of work, service to others, and an appreciation for the environment. In 2008, Camp Fire provided over 30 million hours of service through hundreds of different programs administered by councils across the United States.

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Camp Fire USA Orange County Council—Centennial Award

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Camp Fire will mark its centennial in 2010 through several events. One is the 14^th Annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® held in March in which parents and other adults write letters of support, love, and encouragement to children and youth in their lives. The keystone Centennial event will be a commemorative national campfire lighting by councils around the country on July 31^st done simultaneously across every time zone at precisely 7:30p.m.

ABOUT CAMP FIRE USA ORANGE COUNTY COUNCIL

Since 1956, the Orange County Council has been providing after school enrichment, teen education programs, and summer camps. Today, co-ed programs are offered in collaboration with over 80 schools, churches, community centers and youth-serving agencies throughout Orange County. In 2007-2008, the Orange County Council provided more than 800,000 hours of program services to 4,500 children, youth and parents. The Orange County Council supports families and youth in 24 Orange County cities. Camp Fire USA Orange County Council is an all-inclusive, co-ed organization helping youth become better stewards of their communities, their world, and themselves. Visit www.campfireusaoc.org for more information and a complete list of centennial activities in Orange County.

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