Youth Support Local Rescue Workers
Camp
Fire USA’s Alternative Education Program
says
“Thanks” to local Firemen
(October 11, 2001)(Dallas, TX) � One month after the September 11th
tragedy, the youth in Camp Fire USA Lone Star Council�s Alternative Education
program will deliver hand-made “thank you” cards to the fire stations
in their neighborhood. Dressed in red, white and blue, the youth hope to express
their patriotism and their sincere appreciation of local rescue workers.
“Our kids just wanted to do their part,” said Chris Johnson,
Director of the Alternative Education program. “On September 11, we all saw
how important firemen are to our safety and the protection of our way of life.
We just want to show them that we appreciate what they do.”
The youth, all of whom were referred to the Alternative Education program by
the Dallas County Juvenile Department, will personally deliver their gifts of
thanks on the evening of October 11. This event is an extension of Camp Fire USA�s
involvement in Kahn Elementary�s “Lights on Afterschool” program.
“This is a great way for these kids to show their support while also
showing that they�re making a lot of personal progress,” said Johnson.
The youth, whom the Juvenile Department classifies as “at risk,” have
joined the Alternative Education program as a way to avoid gangs, drugs and
other negative influences on their life.
This event is an extension of Camp Fire USA�s “Lights on Afterschool”
celebration at Kahn Elementary. Nationally sponsored by the Afterschool
Alliance, this program is designed to increase public support for the critical
issue of afterschool programs for young people. At Kahn Elementary, Camp Fire
USA�s youth will use the opportunity to remember the New York City tragedy and
to prepare for their future.
“It is important for us all, but especially for these children, to
realize that we are all in this together,” says Tim James, Executive
Director of Camp Fire USA Lone Star Council. “We all have our part to
play.”
“This event has really reminded us of how important these men and women
are to our lives,” continued James. “The New York firemen are now
national heroes, but we want to recognize our local heroes — those rescue
workeres who often go unrecognized for their tremendous service.”
Camp Fire USA builds confident, caring youth and future leaders.
-30-
|
|