CAMP FIRE USA STRENGTHENS PUBLIC POLICY OUTREACH WITH NEW VP OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
June 1, 2005 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
Vanessa E. Adams
Communications Manager
Telephone: 816 756 1950, ext. 206
E-mail: vanessa.adams@campfireusa.org

CAMP FIRE USA STRENGTHENS PUBLIC POLICY OUTREACH WITH NEW VP OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
A Familiar Face on Capitol Hill Joins Camp Fire USA to Advocate on Behalf of 750,000 Caring, Confident Youth and Future Leaders

(Kansas City, Mo.) – Camp Fire USA, one of the nation's leading not-for-profit youth development organizations currently serving nearly 750,000 participants annually, announces the appointment of a new Vice President of Government Relations. While she is a newcomer to Camp Fire USA, this VP's work is nothing new to Capitol Hill: DC veteran Kelita Svoboda Bak begins her official position as Vice President of Government Relations with the organization on June 1.

A strong advocate for youth, Bak has worked in the field of politics and public policy in Washington, DC for nearly 10 years. Most recently, Bak served as the Director of Government Relations for Youth Service America (YSA), advocating for its mission, developing and maintaining relationships with Members of Congress and enhancing the level of knowledge and understanding by public policy makers of the importance of youth service issues. Bak assisted in drafting the bipartisan Federal Youth Coordination Act and worked to secure both House and Senate sponsors for the act. Working with YSA's National Youth Service Day, Bak increased participation of elected officials in the event by 100 percent.

Prior to YSA, Bak worked for a government relations firm where she served as executive director of a nonprofit healthcare association. She was also a lobbyist for the 270,000-member American Motorcyclist Association where she wrote and delivered testimony before Congress. During the 1996 election, Bak was a media buyer, directing budgets totaling $1.8 million in 12 congressional districts.

"With her extensive experience on Capitol Hill and with youth engagement, Kelita will be an asset to our organization and staff throughout the country," said Stewart Smith, National CEO, Camp Fire USA. "The leadership Kelita exhibits will be invaluable as we expand our role in public policy making and continue to advocate on behalf of our caring, confident youth and future leaders-and all of America's youth."

Bak earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from American University, where she currently serves as President of the alumni board for the university's School of Public Affairs. Bak also serves on the Internship Committee for the Nebraska Society of Washington, DC. As a young adult, Bak was an active student leader, serving as President of Student Council and Vice President of the Nebraska Association of Student Councils (NASC) while in high school. Bak continues to serve as volunteer staff for NASC. She has volunteered and organized activities for a variety of organizations such as Services for the Visually Impaired, Students Against Drunk Driving, Toys for Tots, Make-a-Wish Foundation and Habitat for Humanity.

"I'm honored to join an organization who does so much for kids, their families and their communities," Bak said. "I look forward to continuing to serve America's families and youth even further and being a prominent voice for Camp Fire USA."

Bak replaces the outgoing Director of Public Policy Phillip Lovell who has diligently worked to maintain Camp Fire USA's persona and credibility in our nation's capital for four years.

Bak, originally from Lincoln, Neb., currently resides in Washington, DC.

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Camp Fire USA is one of the nation's leading not-for-profit youth development organizations, currently serving nearly 750,000 participants annually. Founded in 1910 as "Camp Fire Girls," the contemporary, coeducational Camp Fire USA provides all-inclusive, outcome-based programs in hundreds of communities across the United States. By design, Camp Fire's programs, including small group experiences, after-school programs, camping and environmental education, child care and service learning, build confidence in younger children and provide hands-on, youth-driven leadership experiences for older youth. For more information, visit www.campfireusa.org.