Five Receive Camp Fire USA’s Highest Honor
Five young women and men received Camp Fire’s highest honor, the Wohelo Award, at the Grand Council Fire ceremonies on May 26 at Central Church of the Nazarene in Tulsa. Only about 200 young people nationwide receive the prestigious Wohelo annually.
For more than 95 years, Camp Fire USA has partnered with families and schools to instill the values of citizenship and civic responsibility in children participating in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade programs. Camp Fire USA Green Country Council, one of northeastern Oklahoma’s leading nonprofit youth development organizations, serves more than 5,000 girls and boys in a variety of small-group programs. A member agency of the Tulsa Area United Way, Camp Fire’s mission is to build caring, confident youth and future leaders.
The Wohelo Award is an intensive, individualized project designed by each youth. Recipients advocate for improved social conditions and demonstrate commitment to Camp Fire USA history and values. The word ‘Wohelo’ comes from the first two letters of the words work, health and love.
“Earning the Wohelo Award takes an enormous commitment. The vast majority of our Wohelo recipients go to college. Many are leaders in our community,” says Bobbie Henderson, executive director of the Camp Fire USA Green Country Council. “Past Wohelo recipients say that earning the Wohelo Award is a great accomplishment. When asked how Camp Fire influenced their lives, they talk about learning to finish what they began, feeling confident in their abilities, believing in themselves and the value of cooperation, appreciating the wonders found in nature and loving how it feels to make a difference to others through community service.”
Northeastern Oklahoma recipients are: Dana Michelle Agee, Caitlin De Long, Marisa Hills, Johnathan Leon Stephen and Caitlin Turner.
Agee is the daughter of Mark and Susan Agee. She completed her project under the advisorship of Kimberly Turner. Agee is a student at Jenks High School and plans to attend the University of Tulsa.
De Long is the daughter of Carolyn De Long. She completed her project under the advisorship of her mother. She is a student at De Long Academy.
Hills is the daughter of Gary and Gina Hills. She completed her project under the advisorship of Kimberly Turner. She is a student at Jenks High School and plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University.
Stephens is the son of Kim and Richard Stephens. He completed his project under the advisorship of his mother, Kim. He is a student at Nathan Hale High School and plans to attend culinary school.
Turner is the daughter of Kimberly and Ron Turner. She completed her project under the advisorship of her mother, Kimberly. She is a student at Jenks High School and plans to attend the University of Oklahoma.
Updated 06-26-2007
READER COMMENTS
