The Tejas Council of Camp Fire USA is one of 50 councils nationwide authorized to celebrate the centennial of the parent organization with a “birthday party” to include — of course — a ceremonial camp fire.

In the 1930s and ’40s, horseback riding was a large part of the Camp Fire experience for the girls of the great outdoors.

The local celebration, open to the public, takes place starting at 4:30 p.m. July 31 at the Cameron Park Clubhouse, said Ashley McClure, executive director of the Tejas Council of Camp Fire USA, which includes the greater Waco zone.

While enjoying hotdogs and cold drinks, as well as birthday cake for the club, members and friends of the organization can enjoy a collection of artifacts and memorabilia gathered from alumni, such as ceremonial items.

Lighting ceremony

At 6:30 p.m., a procession to Miss Nellie’s Pretty Place will lead to the night’s main event, the 7:30 p.m. fire lighting for a ceremonial recognition of Camp Fire USA.

“We are remembering the old and lighting the way for the new,” McClure said.

It is an appropriate ending, she said: Back in the day, Camp Fire Girls ended their school years with a bonfire at Cameron Park.

After the ceremonies, McClure added, some alumnae have plans to camp overnight at Camp Hope (formerly known as Camp Val Verde), the nearly 400-acre, rustic retreat where generations of female future leaders learned loads of lore with a Native American flair.

After a late-night snack of s’mores, the women plan to rise early for canoeing, archery and other outdoor fun.

A group of Camp Fire Girls visits the foundlings at Providence Hospital in the 1950s, with a nun as an escort.
Tejas Council of Camp Fire USA photo

Organization’s purpose

The organization, originally known as the Camp Fire Girls, is a nonprofit personal development group that’s part of an international movement to mentor the youngsters of today to mold into the leaders of tomorrow.

The first nonsectarian organization for girls in the United States, it predated the Girl Scouts of America, which was founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low of Savannah, Ga.

Waco charter

The Huaco Council of Camp Fire Girls officially chartered in 1938, McClure said. But local newspapers published notices as early as the 1920s of local meetings.

Co-ed since the mid-1970s, Camp Fire USA is open to youngsters ages 5-17. An in Scouting, club members build pride and self-esteem through activities that encourage independence, responsibility, service to the community and personal life skills.

Camp Fire dues are $16 a year. Call 254-752-5515 (in Waco) or 254-773-6614 (Temple), or visit the website at www.campfiretejas.org for more information.

tjryan@wacotrib.com

757-5746

An illustration from the Camp Fire handbook of the 1930s demonstrates that even the household chore of washing the family dog could help one earn a merit badge or bead.
Tejas Council of Camp Fire USA photo

A photo of a father-daughter Valentine’s dance from the 1940s is a treasured memory for one Camp Fire girl.
Tejas Council of Camp Fire USA photo