FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULY 14, 2020

CAMP FIRE HEARTLAND ESTABLISHES ITSELF AS AN INDEPENDENT CHAPTER TO SERVE METRO AREA YOUTH 

Kansas City, MO. – After serving as the programmatic arm of Camp Fire’s National Headquarters for the last decade, Camp Fire Heartland relaunched in July 2020 as an independent council. This milestone furthers the fulfillment of Camp Fire Heartland’s mission to help youth shape the world.

This news comes in the wake of many recent initiatives and accomplishments of the council. A Board of Directors was established last year to begin the process of reviewing the organization’s mission, evaluating finances, and aligning its services within the metro. Bylaws were established, policies drafted, separate nonprofit status applied for, and a charter granted.

“I am thrilled that this new structure will allow Camp Fire Heartland to focus solely on the Kansas City Metro while headquarters expands its reach nationally,” says Executive Director, Erin Balleine.

Camp Fire Heartland helps young people find their sparks through club activities, afterschool programming, in-school educational social-emotional programming, and summer day camp.  Since 1975 this organization’s statement of inclusion has been to welcome all young people, regardless of ethnicity, race, creed, gender, social status, disability, or sexual orientation. 

camp fire heartland

In the last year, youth served by Camp Fire Heartland identified as 55% Black, 19% Hispanic/Latinx, 19% white, and 7% multi-racial. The council’s board and staff also reflect this level of diversity and inclusion.

“Today more than ever, we must value the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Camp Fire Heartland does just that for our community’s youth,” says Board Chair, Tehani El-Ghussein. “Individually and collectively our lives will improve when youth are valued for who they are and are taught to be curious and to work through differences.”

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ABOUT CAMP FIRE HEARTLAND
Camp Fire Heartland has a rich history in Kansas City, serving the region for over a century. Originally founded in 1913, Camp Fire Heartland was the very first Camp Fire council, nationwide. Camp Fire Heartland welcomes all youth and offers year-round programming, including afterschool programming, in-school programming, and summer day camps at Camp Lake of the Woods in Swope Park. Camp Fire Heartland is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). For more information on Camp Fire Heartland, visit campfireheartland.org/ and follow them on Facebook.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Erin Balleine | Executive Director | Camp Fire Heartland

816-285-2026 | erin.balleine@campfire.org