MINNESOTA

Light the fire within

STRATEGIC PLAN2013-2015

3-YEAR GOALS AND STRATEGIES

A. Set the standard for high quality and inclusive youth development programs.

Strategies:1. Strengthen Camp Fire’s curriculum based on academic research and program evaluation with special focus on outdoor education, health and wellness and inclusion. 2. Improve program outcomes through contact hours, frequency and retention over multiple years.3. Strengthen our capacity to build teen leaders. 4. Expand adult volunteer opportunities to enhance program quality, build new relationships and engage the community.

Indicators of success: • CFPQA standards of quality • Number of contact hours, frequency and retention • Percentage of youth outcomes • Number of adult volunteers • Number of teens served

Inclusion“Both my children were unsure of camp. On the first day, my son, who is on the autism spectrum, was concerned about being away from home and all his electronics. My daughter did not want to be away from me for a whole day. After the first day they came home excited to go back! My kids loved their experience at camp. I loved that they were able to unplug from our high tech world and learn that they can have fun without gadgets. My daughter gained confidence and learned that she can be away from home and still have fun! My son learned that there are other ways to play and learn that do not involve computers and iPods.”

2012 Camper Parent

Light the fire within

Camp Fire Minnesota Strategic Plan2013-2015

Camp Fire’s Promise Young people want to shape the world.

Camp Fire provides young people with the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are.

In Camp Fire, it begins now. Light the fire within.

Camp Fire Minnesota’s 10-Year VisionWe light the spark in each young person.

Camp Fire youth are confident leaders who embrace nature,create healthy lives, and achieve academic success.

Camp Fire youth are stewards of their world.

Camp Fire Minnesota is nationally recognized as a growing,thriving organization that delivers model youth development programs.

Camp Fire Minnesota4829 Minnetonka Blvd., Ste. 202St. Louis Park, MN 55416612-235-7284 (phone)952-378-1661 (fax)www.campfiremn.org

B. Connect more youth to the power of nature at Camp Tanadoona and Camp Bluewater.

Strategies:1. Develop and implement a year round outdoor education program at Camp Tanadoona.2. Increase year-round use of Camp Tanadoona by Camp Fire out-of-school time youth.3. Expand and promote opportunities for teens to participate in programs at Camp Tanadoona and adventure trips at Camp Bluewater.4. Increase use of both camp properties by fellow youth-serving organizations.

Indicators of success: • Number of Camp Fire summer camp youth • Number of Camp Fire year-round youth • Number of Camp Fire out-of-school time youth • Number of community organization youth

Light the fire within

Personal Confidence“Camp Fire is an outstanding organization committed to offering the highest quality of youth development programs. From their after school programs to their summer camp programs, every employee at Camp Fire is dedicated to ensuring every youth has fun learning how to live, play, and grow into caring, compassionate adults and future leaders!”

Suzy F., Donor and Former Camp Fire Staff

Connection“Our boys have been enjoying several weeks of summer fun at Tanadoona for 9 years! We love the opportunity Tanadoona has provided them to get to know counselors from all over the world, understand their culture, and become better global citizens, all while enjoying the beautiful MN outdoors!”

2012 Camper Parent

Light the fire within

C. Prepare more youth for success in school and life through out-of-school time programs.

Strategies:1. Grow out-of-school time programs in areas of demonstrated need, with special emphasis on communities surrounding Camp Tanadoona.2. Build on our successful programming in affordable housing complexes through new partnerships.3. Research the potential for out-of-school time programming funded by participant fees.

Indicators of success: • Number of youth served in out-of-school time programs • Number of out-of-school time sites • Completion of research and decision made on fee-based programs

D. Boldly shape and share Camp Fire Minnesota’s powerful story.

Strategies:1. Align Camp Fire Minnesota with national Camp Fire brand and marketing strategies.2. Increase the visibility of Camp Fire Minnesota by building and executing a brand marketing and communications plan.

Indicators of success: •Implementation of Camp Fire branding •Marketing and communications plan implemented

E. Increase financial resources and organizational capacity to fuel Camp Fire Minnesota’s growth.

Strategies:1. Transform the Minnesota Camp Fire Foundation to become a proactive partner in sustaining our long-term health.2. Increase earned and contributed revenue from new and existing sources.3. Complete Phase I of the capital campaign and begin planning for future phases.4. Increase staff capacity to support our growth.5. Drive diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organization.6. Develop a board governance plan.

Indicators of success: •Dollars raised through the Minnesota Camp Fire Foundation •Contributed income •Earned income •Dollars raised for capital campaign •Adoption of Diversity and Inclusion Plan •Adoption of Board Governance Plan • Board work plan • Integrated planning, budgeting and performance measurement • Number and diversity of board, trustee, and advisory board members • Board and staff leadership succession plan

Strengthened Adult Relationships“Camp Fire has made a difference in my life and the lives of my children. We all learned life skills that help us every day. Committment, responsibility, and compassion are only a few of the values Camp Fire instills. Thanks, Camp Fire --for all you do for kids!”

Lori J., Camp Fire Parent & Alum

Light the fire within

Growth“To me, camp is a place where kids can come and be exposed to environments they would not have otherwise been exposed to. For some reason, when kids are in a nature setting like Camp Tanadoona, they open themselves up more. They want to try new things and take chances. In the end, they surprise themselves on what they are capable of doing.” Ryan K., 10th Grader & Camp Tanadoona Camper

Light the fire withinCamp Fire Minnesota’s Core Values

• We believe that children and youth are our most precious resources.

• We believe in an approach to youth development that builds assets and empowers individuals.

• We believe that the best youth development occurs in small groups where children and youth are actively involved in creating their own learning.

• We are committed to co-education, providing opportunities for boys, girls and families to develop together.

• We provide caring, trained mentors to work with children and youth.

• We are inclusive, welcoming children, youth and adults regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or other aspect of diversity.

• We foster leadership, engaging children and youth to give service and make decisions in a democratic society.

• We provide safe, fun and nurturing environments for children and youth.

• We respect and celebrate nature.

• We enrich parents’ and other adults’ lives by expanding their skills and encouraging them to share their talents and build relationships with children and youth.

• We respond to community needs with our programs and expertise.

• We advocate on behalf of children, youth and families.