This week I concentrated a lot on finishing up the website as well as getting the word out about its launch.
Camp Fire USA: I am currently working on completing finalizing the details with our TeenCERT program (details are here & here). I am working with multiple sources to secure funds from the Department of Homeland Security, as well as private funds from charity organizations to be able to provide this unique-to-Wisconsin program to first the Rhinelander High School, then surrounding High Schools. Look for more information coming soon about this program.
Camp Birchrock: I have had a request from members of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority to help complete a project for our Camp, as well as a couple of potential Senior Counselors! Gamma Phi Beta has been a huge supporter of Camp Fire USA and our Councils, this particular Sorority chapter is based out of UW-Oshkosh. I have put them to work designing this year's "Bear-Claw Necklaces" to have for this year's Camp. For those unfamiliar with the Bear Claw tradition, don't worry, it's new 
.
Campers will wear these necklaces while they are at our camp. For each time a camper does something "above and beyond", they will receive an additional "claw" to their necklace. Examples would be: exceptional table manners, taking a leadership role in an activity, or helping out with something without being asked. At the end of the week, we will have a ceremonial bonfire and will recognize those campers in each cabin who have gained the most "claws", and allow them to burn their name/year/week session into a decorative canoe oar that will be permanently mounted in each cabin. This activity will help build self-esteem, leadership qualities, and a general willingness to "do good".
On a personal note, for those campers that attended camp last summer during week 4, you may have remembered me being gone for a few days attending to the birth of my son (Kristofer Dean Fadoul), can you believe that next week he will be 6 months already! I attached a picture to "show him off" .
Stay Warm!
Well, that's it for this week, check back each Monday to learn more about the happenings of Camp Fire USA, and Camp Birchrock!
Gamma Phi Beta's At Their Best!
Jeremy, I am delighted to read about the support the Gamma Phis at UW-Oshkosh are giving your Camp Birchrock. They are an outstanding group of women and are excellent examples of what Gamma Phi Beta Sorority's philanthropy efforts are all about. It is our privilege to support Camp Fire USA throughout our country and we hope that our volunteer and financial support will make a difference in the lives of young girls. I will continue to follow your web site and send my congratulations for a job well done to the Oshkosh Gamma Phi Beta chapter. Sincerely yours, Babs Weinberg Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Director Philanthropy Resources