2019 Annual Report
Letter from the CEO
It is my honor to share Camp Fire Minnesota’s Annual Report. In this report, we highlight the results, stories, and accomplishments from our nature-based programs over the past year, all of which are the result of your dedication and support.
We have much to celebrate from the past year. We saw a record-breaking summer camp season. We expanded our K-12 Environmental Education program for schools beyond Tanadoona into students’ classrooms. We successfully completed Phase 2 of the Tana-re-doona Campaign, raising $5M to build a new Tanadoona Community & Dining Center. This new year-round space will better serve our campers, schools and community members – and expand our reach to even more youth each year. I look forward to welcoming each of you to this inspiring space in the coming months.
As we prepared for 2020, Camp Fire Minnesota’s staff and board developed a robust strategic plan, renewing our focus on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the organization, maximizing Tanadoona as a year-round organizational and community asset, and expanding partnerships with schools in order to build the next generation of environmental champions.
Although 2020 is not what any of us imagined when we developed this plan, it remains a relevant and important guide as we navigate challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and the pain our community feels in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. We stand with our Black youth, families, staff, and partners and are taking action to fight for racial equity in outdoor spaces and beyond. In 2020, we are developing an Inclusion Plan that includes listening, learning and acting to break down systemic racism for youth in the outdoors.
Nature is powerful. It teaches, inspires and heals. Thank you for your support of Camp Fire Minnesota. Together we will bring the power of nature to youth – today and for generations to come.
Every youth walks away from Camp Fire programs with something different.
For some, it’s a fascination with the birds they saw during a hike or the tadpoles they caught during pond study. Others conquer their fear of sleeping outdoors or come away with new friendships. For Talia, 18 — her experiences at Tanadoona gave her the opportunity to grow as a leader. Read the post below to learn more about how Talia discovered herself as a leader through Camp Fire programs.
Summer and School-Break Camps: Youth and teens in our camp programs gain nature-based experiences that build confidence and leadership skills, develop new relationships, and connect with the outdoors.
K-12 Field Trips, In-Class Programs, and Environmental Education programs: Our hands-on, nature-based field trips and in-class visits are tied directly to MN state standards. The curriculum is designed around Tanadoona’s diverse ecosystem and customized to supplement in-class learning.
Out-of-School Time Programs: Out-of-school time programs encourage youth to experience nature where they live. Led by trained Camp Fire Minnesota staff members, OST youth meet weekly throughout the year at partner schools or community locations across the metro.
