Youth Advisory Council
Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma is currently accepting applications for members of a Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
Applications are due April 1, 2013.
YAC Critical Roles:
- Advise Board of Directors on how to communicate with youth and teens
- Advise Board of Directors on strategies to attract new youth and teens while continuing to light the fire within current participants
- Advise Board of Directors on issues and concerns important to youth and teens
- Represent Camp Fire nationally and locally at key conferences and special events
- Adopt service projects and major initiatives that measurably advance the YAC responsibilities, purpose, and promise
Term of Office:
The term of office will be determined by the Board of Directors with a minimum of commitment of 1 year which
shall correspond with the fiscal year.
Qualifications:
The applicant must have the following qualifications:
- Be a current and active member of Camp Fire.
- Be active in his/her community in a leadership or volunteer position.
- Be willing and able to make the year commitment required to fulfill the role and actively participate in maintaining an acceptable level of participation.
- Have access to the internet and Facebook.
- Be available for and commit to participating in scheduled meetings.
- Demonstrate the ability to articulate personal thoughts.
- Be committed to personal growth
- Be committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Have a passion for bettering the world in which we live.
Selection Process:
YAC members will be selected through an application process. Any member between the ages of 15 and 19 who meets the qualifications may apply for a position on the YAC. Once the application is complete, send it to the Camp Fire office at 3309 E. Hefner Road, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73131; Attn: Elizabeth Logan. The applicant will be contacted via email if they have made it to the next selection round. After the initial screening, letters of recommendation will be requested and interviews will be conducted. At the end of the process, all applicants will be notified of final selections.
Meetings:
Attendance is expected and attendance requirements will be determined by the Board of Directors.
Click here to download the application.
Camp C.A.N.O.E.
Camp C.A.N.O.E. (Children with Autism Need Outdoor Experiences), is open to children with autism, grades K-12. Camp C.A.N.O.E. is a summer day camp designed specifically for children with autism and other abilities.
Camp C.A.N.O.E. will be held at Camp DaKaNi, a beautiful 33-acre wooded campground in Oklahoma City, which has been owned and operated by Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma for more than fifty years.
The mission of Camp Fire USA and Camp C.A.N.O.E. is to build caring, confident youth and future leaders. While each day will be filled with a variety of outdoor activities to enhance the development of social, motor, and sensory processing skills, the safety of campers is a top priority. Every counselor will have an assistant counselor and a maximum of only five campers. Additionally, all counselors have received standardized camp training plus specialized Camp C.A.N.O.E. education.
Benefits of Camp C.A.N.O.E.
- Team-Building Skills
- Self-Reliance
- Confidence
- Communication & Social Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Independent Thinking
- Physical Activity
- Fine and Gross Motor Skill Development
For more information please contact:
Penn Henthorn, Director, Camp C.A.N.O.E.:
(405) 254-2080
penn@campfireusa-ok.org
G.O.T.C.H.A.
Children on break, but you’re not? G.O.T.C.H.A.
G.O.T.C.H.A. – The Great Outdoor Teaching Classroom Holiday Adventure is designed to continue the educational process through the holiday break. GOTCHA has indoor and outdoor activities (weather permitting) that are fun and entertaining while providing educational curriculum.
G.O.T.C.H.A. is held on our 33 acre Camp DaKaNi in North Oklahoma City, where youth development programs have been ongoing for over 5 decades.
G.O.T.C.H.A. Activities
- Canoes
- Arts & Crafts
- Braille Trail
- Fishing
- Outdoor Cooking
- Sports & Games
- Hiking
- & MUCH MORE
www.campfireusa-ok.org | 405-254-2080
Camp DaKaNi 3309 East Hefner Road, OKC, OK 73131
GOTCHA Spring 2012 Photos
GOTCHA Fall 2011 Photos
Camp Da Wa Si
Click here to view Camp Da Wa Si's camp flyer.
During the early 1930's Ada's Fire Fly cabin was built and donated to the City of Ada by the Wintersmith family, who also donated the land to be later known as Wintersmith Park. The original portion of the cabin was constructed of petrified wood, and in the mid 1960's a cinderblock room, twice the size of the original room, was added to the original structure. Later a storage building for canoes and other camping supplies was added. In 1996, the building was remodeled again to add more facilities and another room. In 2008, extensive work preformed inside and outside the cabin.
Camp Da Wa Si opened for campers around 1954, and operated one week from 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon. At present Camp is held for one week every summer and is open to the entire community, whether or not the child is a Camp Fire member. Camp is open from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and offers an early morning program and afternoon program. Campers are allowed to use the community swimming pool in the mornings, and the park provides a basketball court, softball field, paved hiking routes, cooking grills and picnic tables, as well as playground equipment.
For more information about Camp Da Wa Si, click here to contact Stephanie Westmoreland.
Camp Tan Da Ko
Click here to view Camp Tan Da Ko's camp flyer.
In 1956 a group of Perry citizens became aware of the need for a secure camping area for youth to use and still be close to Perry. After searching the community for a site, 25 acres of unused property was discovered in the CCC Lake Park located 1 mile south of Perry on Highway 86. Throughout 1956 and 1957, the land was cleared and simple buildings were built; finally in 1958, Camp Fire held its first camp on the property beautifully nestled in the woods atop a hill overlooking CCC Lake.
Camp Tan Da Ko has 2 structures for indoor activities, a craft shack, restroom and shower facilities, and a camp kitchen. The Council Fire and the Chapel areas provide beautiful accommodations for ceremonials, group events, and star gazing. Tent camping is one of the highlights each summer during camp; other highlights include canoeing and fishing, as well as many other fun and educational activities.
For more information about Camp Tan Da Ko, click here to contact Betty Dillion.
Camp DaKaNi
About Camp DaKaNi
Camp DaKaNi, meaning “a day in the out-of-doors,” is owned and operated by Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma. It is located on 33 wooded acres in the heart of Oklahoma City. Camp Fire camping gives young people a chance to learn how to live and share with others and to become closely involved with the natural environment. The well-being and safety of campers is our first concern. Camp DaKaNi, in its 57th year as a day camp, is open to all boys and girls, ages 5-18, regardless of race, gender, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disabilities* or economic status. Campers do not have to be members of Camp Fire.
*Camp DaKaNi programs are available to persons with disabilities. We will make every effort to meet the needs of all those who wish to apply. If your child has a disability, please call Penn Henthorn at Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma Council at (405) 254-2080.
Our Promise
Young people want to shape the world. Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are. In Camp Fire, it begins now. Light the fire within.
What to do at Camp DaKaNi
- Zip Line
- Gaga Pit
- Canoeing
- Archery*
- 26’ Rock Climbing Wall
- Arts & Crafts
- Fishing
- Kayaking*
- Outdoor Cooking
- Sports & Games
- Nature Study
- Challenge Course
- Hiking
- Frog & Turtle Races
- Tree Swings
- Slingshots
- Camp Store
* Youth must be age 9+ to participate in this activity
2013 Camp DaKaNi Sessions
Day Camp Sessions are Monday through Friday; from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Campers arriving early or arriving later must be enrolled in Before & After Care.
Session 1 June 3rd - 7th
Session 2 June 10th - 14th
Session 3 June 17th - 21st
Session 4 June 24th - 28th
MaKaYa July 1st - 3rd
Session 5 July 8th - 12th
Session 6 July 15th - 19th
Camp C.A.N.O.E. July 22nd - 26th
(Children with Autism Need Outdoor Experiences)
2013 Camp DaKaNi Fees
Camper $165
MaKaYa $165
Counselor Aid $50
Before & After Care $75
Camp C.A.N.O.E. $265
Teen Programs
CATS (Counselor Aides in Training): This program teaches 11-14 year old youth the leadership and outdoor skills necessary to work with elementary school campers and assist group counselors. Youth in the CAT program will still participate in typical camp activities such as rock climbing, boating, etc. Individuals interested in becoming a Counselor Aide must complete this training. Individuals who have already completed CAT will not need to repeat this program and should be registered as a Counselor Aide. The CAT program will be offered Session 1 and 3.
Teen Counselors: Counselors (Age 16 and up) volunteer for a full week of camp and lead a small group of elementary school aged youth during their stay at Camp DaKaNi. All counselors must attend a training before camp. New counselors will need to be interviewed before they are hired.
LIT (Leaders in Training): This new program is designed for 15 year old youth who attend camp. LIT will give youth the opportunity to develop important teambuilding and leadership skills necessary to become a counselor and leader in the community. Youth in the LIT program will have the opportunity to lead younger youth at camp. This program will be offered Session 2.
MaKaYa: MaKaYa is a mini session of camp for youth 12 years old and up. Campers will participate in advanced outdoor activities as well as a camping overnight.
Why Camp
Camp is an experiential education like no other. Children and youth learn life lessons, such as independence, leadership, and self-confidence, in an environment designed specifically for them. Camp is made up almost entirely of teachable moments. Through fun and hand-on experiences, campers have opportunities to grow and develop the skills need to be productive, successful adults. www.acacamps.org
Why Camp Fire
Camp Fire was created to guide young people on their journeys to self-discovery. The founders of Camp Fire felt strongly that young people need experiences that teach them to care for themselves, their environment, and the people around them.
Camp Staff
Camp Fire counselors are carefully chosen for their enthusiasm in working with youth and trained to meet our program requirements. Many camp staff are volunteers or college students majoring in recreation, education, or child development. All staff are required to participate in pre-camp training session, in addition to regular staff meetings and in-service training.
Physical Requirements
While at camp, children will be involved in a variety of physical activities in the outdoors. Camp Fire requires parents to fill out a current health history for every camper. Campers without signed health history forms will not be allowed to stay. A camper with special needs may be required to obtain a doctor’s release to attend camp.
Health and Safety
Safety is our top priority at camp. Many camp staff members are trained in First Aid and CPR procedures. In the event of illness or injury, parents will be notified immediately by phone. The camp health supervisor will hold and dispense all medications while campers are in our care.
Financial Assistance “Camperships”
A limited amount of full or partial camperships will be available for those who qualify. Contact us at [405] 254-2080 email us by clicking here.
Refer A Friend Program
Camp families refer their friends to Camp DaKaNi every day, and we thought it was time for you to get credit for those referrals. Our new referral program will give you $10 off your camp fees for every friend you refer through the link below, if they have never attended Camp DaKaNi before and they sign up for camp. If you have already enrolled and paid for your child's sessions of camp, we can credit your account for future sessions, the camp store, or refund you the amount credited.
Help us spread the word about the great programs at Camp DaKaNi, and earn money back!
Camp DaKaNi 2011 Photos
Club Programs
Heart of Oklahoma traditional club programs encourage youth to connect with each other, older adult mentors, their families, their friends, and their communities through age-appropriate activities and service-learning opportunities.
Camp Fire program curriculum is based on five trails:
- Trail to Knowing Me
- Trail to Family and Community
- Trail to Creativity
- Trail to the Environment
- Trail to the Future
Program curriculum and suggested activities are developed on sound youth development principles identified in a study by the Search Institute during the 1990’s. Upon completion of the study, forty development assets were identified as essential to create positive building blocks for youth to become successful adults. As a result of the study, Camp Fire shifted its focus from developing problem solving skills in youth to developing youth as assets to the communities in which they reside. Camp Fire’s curriculum is progressive and based on a child’s age and educational level; in addition, curriculum and activities are outcome based and measured by program staff every year locally, and cumulatively on a national level.
Camp Fire traditional club programs are divided into levels based on the participant’s age and are identified as:
Little Stars
Pre-kindergarten (ages 4 to 5)
Starflight
Kindergarten: K Trail
1st grade: Trail Starter
2nd grade: Trail Explorations
Adventure
3rd grade: Trail Seeker
4th grade: Wood Gatherer
5th grade: Fire Maker
Discovery
6th grade: Path Finder
7th grade: Trail Blazer
8th grade: Navigator
Horizon
9th through 12th grades.
All of Camp Fire’s programs have four important qualities: (1) progression, (2) variety, (3) partnership between youth and adults, and (4) rewards and recognition.
For more information about Heart of Oklahoma’s traditional club programming, contact: Elizabeth Logan at 405.254.2068 or click here to email her.
