[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14223]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING CAMP FIRE'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 27, 2010

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, today I rise to offer special 
recognition to Camp Fire on its upcoming centennial celebration. Since 
its founding in 1910, Camp Fire has worked to build caring, confident 
youth and future leaders nationwide. In 2009 alone, thousands of youth 
and family in and around Seattle benefitted from its programs.
  When it was founded a century ago, Camp Fire was the first 
interracial, non-sectarian organization for young women in the United 
States. This legacy showcases an early and bold commitment to enriching 
the lives of all American girls; this spirit of openness was continued 
when the organization was expanded in 1975 to include boys.
  Camp Fire has positively affected those it serves through its 
curriculum and through its physical facilities. Camp Fire's camps and 
classes prepare our children to be responsible leaders in an 
increasingly global community, with an emphasis on environmental 
education and healthy living. Camp Sealth, a Camp Fire facility on 
Vashon Island, continues to be an invaluable resource to the community, 
providing children with a safe space to learn and grow, and local 
organizations with an outstanding retreat.
  Today, it is as important as ever for the nation's youth to maintain 
a connection to America's great outdoors, but many children lack such 
opportunities without outside support. Camp Fire's work to bring 
communities together around children and to reconnect them to nature is 
an inspiration. It is with gratitude that I extend my congratulations 
to Camp Fire on a century of exceptional work, and my best wishes for 
another century of progress and service.

                          ____________________