Girls, boys enjoy summers together with organization

Approaching their 100th anniversary, Camp Fire USA has long kept children busy and entertained during the hot days of summer.Formerly known as Camp Fire Girls, the non-profit organization associated with the United Way, once provided programming for young girls exclusively, but has held their doors open for young boys since the 1970s, a little known fact that still gets lost in communication.”We still educate that to people one at a time,” quipped Marlys Russell, executive director of Camp Fire USA North Shore Council, who noted that their site houses an almost perfect 50-50 ratio of boys and girls.The North Shore campus, one of several branches across the country, has been up and running for nearly as long as the organization itself. Since the 1920s, they’ve held programs out of their Cain Street office in Salem, servicing nearly 2,000 kids each year.With the help of volunteers and generous donations, they offer a variety of programming, including tutoring and after school care. Their biggest and most visible service, however, is the all-day summer camp. Children from Lynn, Salem, Saugus, and surrounding communities line up to participate each year and often find themselves vying for one of the coveted spots on the waiting list.One of the organization’s greatest draws is their affordable pricing. They offer a full week of camp for an average of $115 per week and after school tutoring for roughly $65 each week. Both rates fall on a sliding scale based on income, so for those in need, the request to pay a lower price is often granted.”Our mission is to build caring and confident youth,” said Russell.And they do just that through educating children on topics from ecology and cooking to socialization and swimming. Incorporated into their learning is a community service component that teaches campers how to give back to the community that has given them the chance to participate.Like most non-profits, Camp Fire USA North Shore Council has been hit with some difficult challenges in regards to funding. The United Way provides a small amount of their income, but the rest comes from program fees, auctions, and donations.However, their new president of the Board of Directors is determined to beat the odds and keep current programs in place, as well as add new ones.Jim Clouser was recently promoted from board member to president during their annual meeting in June. He’s the first male to take over the post in almost 30 years.”It’s mostly been moms and others who have been involved,” said Clouser. “We’re trying to expand beyond that circle of immediate friends and family, so to speak, of Camp Fire, and get some others with different expertise to be a part of the organization.”Since his appointment, the self-employed financial planner and Pennsylvania native has already set some big goals. He’d like to increase their fundraising efforts and perhaps even take a new angle at marketing.”He’s a great guy and obviously very caring about the community,” said Russell. “He (accepted) with real high energy and commitment, and that’s very hard to find.””The folks before me have done a terrific job,” said Clouser. “I look forward to the challenge of keeping Camp Fire strong and growing and expanding the community’s awareness of what we do.”