LYNN — Camp Fire North Shore, a youth-development nonprofit that provides after-school programs, is celebrating Absolutely Incredible Kid Day throughout the city.
The organization announced this week it will hold events in which students will read letters and watch videos from their parents, Camp Fire staff, principals and other community leaders who will highlight their accomplishments.
The events will take place at Connery and Washington S.T.E.M. elementary schools on Thursday and Shoemaker Elementary School and the Camp Fire North Shore building in Salem on Friday.
Students will also participate in games and activities with staff.
Parents, grandparents and teachers are encouraged to participate in Absolutely Incredible Kid Day by sending letters to Camp Fire North Shore or by posting on social media.
According to the organization, Absolutely Incredible Kid Day is designed to help boost morale and self-esteem and is supported by child-care experts, educators, celebrities, local and national leaders, parents and kids.
Laurie Hamill, executive director of Camp Fire North Shore, said this event has lasted for more than 20 years and that the 200 students enrolled in the organization’s Lynn programs will have the chance to hear about their personal achievements.
”Growing up is hard. It certainly has been a tough few years and our Camp Fire kids have remained strong and resilient,” Hamill said. “We encourage every child to be their authentic self and to face every challenge head on because the results are beyond rewarding.”
Camp Fire, formerly known as Camp Fire USA, is a nationwide youth organization that began in 1910.
It was the first nonsectarian, multicultural organization for girls in the United States before becoming co-ed in 1975. The organization welcomes those up to 21 years of age to join.
Camp Fire provides small-group clubs, mentoring opportunities, leadership development camping, environmental education, child care, self-reliance classes and service-learning classes.
These services depend on the type of community and their specific needs.
In the small-group clubs, students meet once a week for an hour to work and play together through service projects.
The groups range from “Little Stars,” the youngest group consisting of children ages 3 to 5, to “Horizon,” consisting of high-school students from ninth to 12th grade.
Mayor Jared Nicholson said he is proud of the children from Lynn who are enrolled in Camp Fire North Shore and said they continue to be an inspiration for the city.
“I believe in the ability of each and every child and I am constantly impressed at how committed to learning and growing they are,” Nicholson said. “I am confident that they have bright futures ahead and will achieve many accomplishments and I look forward to their success.”
