Nine New Communities Selected to Participate in $1.15 Million Grant
NEW YORK, N.Y., February 23, 2006 — Camp Fire USA today announced the selection of nine additional Camp Fire USA councils to participate in a pilot of its Discovery program, which offers middle school youth nearly 1,000 enrichment activities that build their interpersonal and academic skills and helps them plan and implement community service projects. The Discovery program is funded with a four–year, $1.15 million grant from the New York Life Foundation.
This year's $312,000 grant, the second installment of the multi–year grant, will support the implementation of the Discovery program at Camp Fire USA councils in the following nine communities: Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Denver, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Philadelphia, San Diego and Tucson.
"Discovery offers early adolescents the opportunity to participate in activities that foster individual self worth and positive interaction with mentoring adults," said Jill Pasewalk, senior vice president, program and field services, Camp Fire USA. "With help from the New York Life Foundation, we can enhance the depth and breadth of programming allowing many more students to benefit from the guidance and mentor relationships that the Discovery program provides at such a critical time in their lives."
"The New York Life Foundation is proud to continue our partnership with Camp Fire USA," said Peter Bushyeager, president of the New York Life Foundation. "This exciting program will positively impact many middle school youth throughout the country, helping to make them stronger citizens and better prepared to contribute to their families, their communities and their own futures."
In 2004, the New York Life Foundation announced a four–year, $1.15 million grant to pilot the Discovery program at 27 Camp Fire USA councils — covering up to 400 program sites. The first year of the grant funded the initial launch of the program in Dallas, Tex.; Minneapolis, Minn. and Cleveland, Oh.; Birmingham, Ala.; Seattle, Wash.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Sacramento and Oxnard, Calif. Nine additional councils will be added next year.
About Camp Fire USA
Camp Fire USA is one of the nation's leading not–for–profit youth development organizations, currently serving nearly 750,000 participants annually. Founded in 1910 as "Camp Fire Girls," the contemporary, coeducational Camp Fire USA provides all–inclusive, outcome–based programs in hundreds of communities across the United States. By design, Camp Fire's programs (including small group experiences, after–school programs, camping and environmental education, child care and service learning) build confidence in younger children and provide hands–on, youth–driven leadership experiences for older youth. For more information, visit www.campfireusa.org.
About The New York Life Foundation
The New York Life Foundation is the major vehicle through which New York Life Insurance Company channels contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations. Through its Nurturing the Children initiative, the Foundation supports organizations, programs and services that target young people, particularly in the areas of mentoring, safe places to learn and grow, and educational enhancement opportunities.
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