Inclusive Camp Fire is open to everyone.

The uniqueness of every individual and family is embraced

and celebrated every day. At Camp Fire, you will build lasting

relationships with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Participant Driven

Camp Fire is led by youth. Camp Fire is about creating new

opportunities for you. As you work with others you gain self-confidence, lift

your voice, and become a better citizen.

Contemporary

Camp Fire helps you develop skills, now. Together we build a strong

foundation which empowers you to take initiative today.

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

At Camp Fire we: Light the fire within Camp Fire was created to guide young people on their journey to self-discovery. Camp Fire helps youth dig deep inside and discover their "sparks," their personally defined nuggets of potential. 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.

The Camp Fire Experience

Discover your spark. Do you want to discover yourself? Do you want to make an impact? With Camp Fire, you can. At Camp Fire, staff, volunteers, and people like you are exceptional role models. Our programs encourage you to discover your passion—your spark.

2012

Annual Report to the

Community

“Building caring, confident youth and

future leaders”...

Camp Fire Samish 1321 King Street, #3 Bellingham, WA 98229 Phone :360.733.5710

From the Board President

This is my last presidential comment for a Camp Fire Samish Annual Report. Over the past seven or so years, I have been witness to a great number of highs and lows with this council, the last three serving as president of the board. I cannot say it was smooth sailing, but I am certain the foundations of this are strong. Though forced to weather the effects of hard times, we continue to reach out to new volunteers and old friends. Our candy sales look better than last year’s, our auction brought in much needed money (including easily beating our goal on the Campership fund), and camp registration is up and running strong. I am certain that 2013 will be better than 2012 and Camp Fire Samish will be still better in the years beyond that. So, while I step down from the presidency and leave the board, I am confident in the membership of this organization. I am proud of my time as a camp counselor, a board member, a vice president and president. Thank you for your trust in me and for all of the support I have received.

Geoffrey McCann—Board President

Board of Directors Geoffrey McCann - President

Christine Connor- Vice-President Tom Granger - Treasurer John Stewart - Treasurer

Mary Kay Richter - Secretary

Members at Large Karen Branham Phyllis Carney

Tobie Fehr Wendy Reavill

Mike Rorvig Nicki Spees

Dana Tenneson

2012 Council Staff

Erin Baldwin - Executive Director

Christina Nichols - Bookkeeper

Teresa Brescia - Office Administrator

Jeri Taylor & Sandy Quinores -

Island Club Administrators

2012 Camp Kirby Staff

Keith Ekstran -

Camp Kirby Site Manager

Kevin Hong -

Resident Camp Director

Kathryn Luera - Camp Registrar

Diana Wisen -

Day Camp Director

info@campfiresamishcouncil.org www.campfiresamishcouncil.org Fax: 360.733.5711

Camp Kirby’s camper-centered philosophy teaches campers how to interact and become part of a community by planning their own program at their developmental level. Challenge activities, archery range, climbing wall, canoes and outdoor living skills build self-esteem and confidence in campers while they make new friends and have the time of their lives!

Half, one and two week programs are offered in July and August for school-aged youth entering first through twelfth grade. Each week is themed, and tailored to take advantage of Camp Kirby’s extraordinary natural surroundings. The CIT (Counselor-in-Training) program is a leadership training program for older teens.

EENVIRONMENTALNVIRONMENTAL

EEDUCATIONDUCATION

CCAMPAMP KKIRBYIRBY RRESIDENTESIDENT

CCAMPAMP

Environmental Education programs build respect through hands-on experiences in nature’s classroom. The place-based learning experience allows youth a chance to apply new knowledge and skills through interactive exercises and games in the lush forests, pristine wetlands, and unique beaches of the Pacific Northwest. Students gain a greater understanding of their world and acquire the necessary tools to make decisions for a sustainable world. In nature’s classroom, learning and fun go hand in hand!

A decade ago, our Camp Fire world was a different place. The council had more staff members and expected that it could continue to provide numerous programs, supported in large part by grants from foundations and donations from individuals.

There are numerous factors contributing to the financial struggles we aired publically at the close of 2012. As we all know, current economic conditions have strained virtually every non-profit. Camp Fire Samish and Camp Kirby are no exceptions. There is intense competition for fewer grant dollars, community members are stretched thin across many charitable events, and keeping and attracting individual donors requires consistent and creative cultivation. Expenses, such as insurance, utilities, and charter fees continue to rise. More crippling for us, is that we are still recovering from expensive legal costs involved with defending our land rights at Camp Kirby. Many fundraising efforts, staff time, and volunteer assistance between 2003 and 2009 were necessarily directed toward defending camp for future generations. The case was dismissed, but at a high cost.

In the fall of 2011, hard times called for us to review all our programs to see how they fit with Camp Fire’s goals and mission, and whether we could sustain them. We strive to inspire love and care of the natural world, empower youth through service to others, develop team building and leadership skills, and promote inclusion in all of our activities. Our mission statement is to “build caring, confident youth and future leaders”. Anticipating lower overall revenues and working to repay debt, we made tough decisions to cut some programs, curtail others, and reduce staff in order to commit fully to Camp Kirby activities and traditional club programming. We left nothing in our revised Strategic Plan that did not promote Camp Fire, adhere to our mission, and bring in funds. These measures have ensured that we can operate high quality programs within our means. In other words, our current income covers all of our current expenses while still allowing us to work toward paying off past debt. Despite (or maybe because of) the sensationalism of the news, at year’s end we experienced an outpouring of goodwill from the community. Donations and offers of assistance rose dramatically. Community partners called to lend support. New donors came forward and existing donors gave more. We are excited and optimistic as we begin a new year of “building caring, confident youth and future leaders”.

WoHeLo – Erin Baldwin

Like all Camp Fire programs, self-reliance courses attempt to negate traditional stereotypes, and help boys and girls develop a balance of critical life skills. These classes help to increase self-esteem, enhance problem solving and decision making abilities, teach basic life skills that keep kids healthy and safe, and address the complex issues of human relationships.

Samish Council currently offers a full week, day camp experience at beautiful Camp Kirby on Samish Island. The program is tailored to take advantage of the unique features of Kirby, which is located on 47 acres of lush forests, wetlands, and Puget Sound beaches.

Clubs explore the Camp Fire Trails:

The Environment: To understand, appreciate, and care for the world around us. Creativity: To stimulate creativity and the

imagination through art, dramatics and music. Family and Community: To develop

compassion for others, a desire to give service, and strengthen citizenship. Knowing Me: To further self-confidence, self-

reliance and to enhance each child’s place in the family and in his or her community. The Future: To stimulate curiosity and new

interests through games, science, sports and outdoor adventures.

SSELFELF RRELIANCEELIANCE

CCAMPAMP KKIRBYIRBY

DDAYAY CCAMPAMP

CCLASSICLASSIC CCLUBLUB Clubs consist of six to ten children, each with at least two adult leaders. Camp Fire serves youth ages 3 through 18. They meet weekly or bi-weekly throughout the year at a time and location convenient to the leaders and youth. Clubs provide a wide variety of exciting and fun activities, projects, experiences and events. In fact, the activities are limited only by the members’ imaginations!

A word from our Executive Director

20th Century Bowl A.W. Asian Bistro

Above and Beyond Cleaning Service

Ace Hardware Dorothy Adler

Agribay (Agri Associates) Alaska Airlines Patricia Allen Debbie Amos

Lynne Andersen Anonymous Apple Yarn

Archer Halliday Leslie Ash Mary Aske

AT&T Atkinson Family Dentistry

Avalon Golf Links Daniel Baker

Brian & Caroline Baldie Erin Baldwin

Chris & Jennifer Barker Barnes & Noble Daniel Barrett

Barrett Transmission Specialties Be of Service Club

Marcia Beaman Bearfoot Art Glass Studio

Penny & Blair Beebe Rob Beishline

E.S. & Marilyn Bell Bellingham Detail and Glass

Bellingham Flatbread & Bakery Bellingham Grocery Outlet

Bellingham Spinal Care Gordan & Dorothy Benner

Best Buy Best Western Plus Heritage Inn

Michael Bet Big Box Clearnace Store

Billy McHale's Black Pearl

Blessings Salon Spa Savannah Blue

Blue Heron Coffee Co. Blue Skies for Children

Bob's Burgers and Brew Boundary Bay

Gerald & Lois Boyd Kristen Boyes

BP Foundation, Inc. Heidi Bradley

Karen E. Branham Brant Club

Brenthaven Retail Store Brooks Manufacturing

Jennie Brown Joyce Brown

Ed & Jean Brunz Royce Buckingham

Buethorn Watercolor Studio Merril & Martha Burke

Burlington Lions Burlington Rotary Foundation

Daniel & Kori Burwell Cheri Caldwell

Calico Cupboard Cafe & Bakery Camaloch Golf Course

Daniel & Chris Cameron Cameron's Living Room Dining

Caryl E. Campbell Canton Restaurant

Jose y DiAnn Cardona Richard & Betty Carey

Phyllis Carney Jane Carter

Cascade Pizza Michael J. Cassidy

Cattails & Droganflies Cedarville Farm

Scott & Gayle Chalfant Gerald & Susan Christensen

Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen Warren & LouInda Churchward

Ciao Thyme Larke Clinger Martha Clure

Community Co-op Elizabeth Connolly Christine Connor

Susan Cook Costco

Michael & Diane Crawford Crazy Kids Club Jasmine Crosby Cruisin Coffee

Douglas & Peg Cutting Rod Dahl

Mary Sue & Lee Dallas Andrea & Bradley Dana

Dave Erickson with KM Resorts of America

Dave's Sport Shop Carolyn Davis

Catherine & Charles Davis DC Health Chiropractic

Guy Dellinger Dewey Griffin

Sharron Dewispelaere Robert & Janice Dionne

Heidi Doornenbal Lindsey & Robert Dorr

Fonda Downs Downtown Emporium

Chris Duppenthaler Becky & Dennis Duvall

Eagle Haven Winery Edgewater Garden Club Samish Is.

Keith Ekstran Claudia English

Joy English Face It Skin Care Solutions

Fairhaven Bike & Ski Fairhaven Pizza

Fairhaven Smoke Shop Farm to Market Bakery

FDG Web

Tobie Fehr

Fidalgo Island Rotary

Robert & Tracey Fisher William Fitzharris

Florentine Design Group, LLC Larry & Susan Forsythe Fourth Corner Frames Kim & John Gallagher Garden Spot Nursery

Delia & Robert Gauvreau Ray & Glorene George

Gere-a-Deli Wendy Goheen

Roger & Kris Goodan Thomas R. & Robyn D. Granger

Great Harvest Bread Co. Kelsey Green Greenhouse

Ursula Greenough Gretchen's

Robert Groenendijk Gail Grossman Angela Guest

Irma Gulick Gloria Gunderson

Haggen Suzette Haile

Bernadette Halliday Scott & Christina Ham

Frances Hansen Douglas Hansmann

Joan Harris Noreen Hartley Sylvia Hayden

Sue Ellen Heflin B Heller

Henderson Books Herboth Remodeling

Woody & Linda Heron High Country Artists

Hiking Animals Randall W. Hill

Kaye Hoegemeyer Daniel & Claudia Hollod James & Peggy Holstine

Kevin Hong Hot Yoga Matters - Bikram's Yoga

Richard Hoyle Sarah Huntington

Steven & Terri Inge JB's Lawn Service

Jerry Smith Kia Burlington Johnny Picasso's

Janet Johnson Laine Johnson

Morris & Marcia Johnson Just Peachy Frozen Yogurt

Irene Kasson Sharri King

King's Rest & Retreat Kirby Club

Jeanette H. Kirk Carrie Kishline

Kiwanis Club of La Conner Jan Klineburger

Erwin & Andrine Knapp Labels

Byrne & Henry Lacomb

LaConner Channel Lodge LaConner Pub & Eatery

Debra Lancaster Linda C. Larson

Jordan River Lawson Don & Ardelle Leach

Bernice Leaf Bette Leal

Donnette & Larry Lennox LFS Marine & Outdoor Lighthouse Massage

Janet Lightner Lincoln Theater

Diane E. Lind Louis Auto Glass

Errol & Beverly Loving Kathryn Luera

Jeff & Janet Lund Lutheran Community Foundation

Lving Earth Herbs Mac & Linda MacGregor

Mallard Ice Cream Man Pies

Charles and Jo Ann Marchese Albert Marshall

Lauren Goldman Marshall Masquerade Wine Company

Massage Envy Master Lube

Max Dale's Steak and Chop House Gwen Maxfield

Mayberry Sporting Goods Schuyler Mayernik Geoffrey McCann

McCann & McCann Lawyers, PLLC McDonald's

Winnie McNamara Diane McQuery

Sarah Melo Michael's Books Deborah Millar

Susan Miller Sally Mills

Darrell & Kitty Mintz Dave & Sindi Moe

Eileen Smith Moreland Mount Baker Landscaping

Nell Thorn Restaurant & Pub Andrew & Cheri Nichols

Brent & Christina Nichols North Bellingham Golf Course

Northwest Honda Charles & Elizabeth O'Hara

Old Fairhaven Wines Old World Deli

Olive Shoppe Ginger Grater Severin Olson

Kjersten Otterholt Tom Pasma

Don & Neva Pavia Roger Peterson Natasha Petroff Tony Pickering Pier 1 Imports

Lyle (Bud) Pierson

DDONORSONORS Eleanor Pilon

Brian & Krista Poppe Nancy Preg

Joel Puidokas Pure Bliss

Qualcomm Foundation Sandy Quinores

Rairdon Dodge of Bellingham Gary & Virginia Ramey

Jonathan Rands Brooksana Raney

Dave & Liz Ranquist Daniel & Ann Rasar

Richard & Wendy Reavill Red Door Gifts Joanne Reed

Regal Entertainment Group Katie Rhodes Bonnie Rice

Mary Kay Richter Rock Fish Grill

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Mark Roetcisoender Ruby Sue's Tea & Treasures

Mary J. Russell Salon Rouge

San Juan Crusies Kent & Carol Schluter Sue & Thomas Schultz

Kate Scott Scotty Browns

Seattle Seahawks Charitable Donation

Alfred Seitz Sonja Seldomridge

Sempre Italiano Richard & Susan Sentner Serenity Salon and Spa

Fay Shane Jon Shannon Karin Shough

Silver Reef Hotel, Casino, and Spa Similk Golf Course

Laura Simmons Sirena Gelato Cafe Skagit Land Trust Skagit State Bank

Skylark's Cafe Jnet Smith

Leland and Patricia Smith Snow Dragons Kelsey Snyder

Soroptimist International of Anacortes

Soroptimist International of Burlington

Southwest Airlines Stampadoodle

Starbucks William & Eloise Stendal

Stephen M. Bennett and Marsha C. Jordan Charitable Fund

Peggy Stowe Richard & Gail Sullivan

Swinomish Casino & Lodge Swinomish Tribe

Robin Taylor Teens in Action for Kirby

Dana Tenneson Shelley Tenneson

The Artist's Remarque The Big Fat Fish Co.

The Chrysalis Inn & Spa The Copper Hog

The Markets, LLC The Oil Well

The Stall The Woods Coffee The Wool Station

Tom Douglas Restaurant Toy Garden Trader Joe's Trainwreck

Mary Jo Tregilas Tucker Family Foundation Two Moons Gallery & Gifts Two Thimbles Quilt Shop

United Way of King County United Way of Skagit County

United Way of Whatcom County Upfront Theatre

Vacation International Vacationland RV

Alyson K. Van Der Toorn Mark & Denise Van Zandt

Ronald & Carolyn VanderVegt Vanguard Charitable Endowment

Program Vanessa Veit

Sheri Viebrock Vis Seafood

Fred & Juanita Vochatzer

V's Barbershop Robert & Susan Wagner

Wakumi Alumni Jack Walker

Stacy Walker Rebecca Walsh

Bill & Marilyn Ward Robert Warnecke Barbara Werner

Ron & Jan Wesen Rebecca Weston

Whatcom Museum Whidbey Island Bank

Harry & Linell Williams Peggy Willingham

Sue Wilson Diana Wisen

Catherine Worley Rodger & Colleen Wright

WWU Athletics Yeager's Sporting Good

James Zielinski James Zuanich

Our deepest apologies if anyone was missed. Thank you to all.

A special thank you to the Service Groups and Businesses who have volunteered their time and services.

Thank you to all of our supporters: Your contributions of money, time and

energy are vital to the preservation of

Camp Kirby and Camp Fire Samish.

For over 100 years, Camp Fire Samish has been making the unimaginable possible

and changing lives in the process. Camp Fire introduces children to a world they

might not otherwise experience —where night skies are filled with stars instead of street lights and days are filled with

canoeing, hiking, swimming, and new friends instead of stretches of pavement

and boredom. It is a world that leads to opportunities for learning, volunteerism,

and leadership development.

Our mission is to “build caring, confident youth and future leaders”. Your continued support of Camp Fire Samish and Camp

Kirby make it possible for us to develop these traits in the youth of our

communities.

AmeriCorps VISTA Anacortes Sunrisers Kiwanis Burlington Soroptimists Keller Williams Skagit County Community Action Agency

Skagit Rotary Skagit State Bank Tesoro Williams Pipeline Whidbey Island Marine Corp