Camp Fire USA believes that youth leadership is very important. Because of that, Camp Fire established a national youth advisory group in the late 1980’s. This advisory group is known as the Youth Advisory Cabinet (YAC).
YAC serves in an advisory position to the national staff and national board of trustees. It also acts as the voice for all Camp Fire USA youth.
Activities and responsibilities of YAC members include:
- Discussing issues that are important to teens
- Helping to plan Camp Fire USA events, such as the Camp Fire USA National Convention and the National Youth Forum
- Consulting with national staff and national youth board members on youth issues
- Representing Camp Fire USA at local and national events and with other organizations
Each Camp Fire USA youth who meets basic qualifications is encouraged to apply to become a member of YAC.
Cabinet Composition
YAC is made up of teen leaders from across the country. Currently, the cabinet includes eight teens from the general Camp Fire USA population and four teens that serve as national youth board members, including the vice president of youth leadership. Create your own local Youth Advisory Cabinet
Youth Advisory Cabinet 2008
The 2008 YAC members are:
- Andrew Neill, Wilani Council, Chair of YAC
- Mary Milton, Mt. Hood Council
- Kelly Peneston, Central New York Council
- Hillary U, Central Puget Sound Council
- Austin Brown, Sunshine Council
- Emily Cotter, Sunshine Council
- Heather Crain, Green Country Council
- Rebbekah Decker, Illinois Prairie Council
- Molly Johnson, Sunshine Council
- Amanda (Kelly) Lane, Illinois Prairie Council
- Anastasia Marie Wroblewski, Patuxent Area Council in Formation
Term of Office
The term of office for YAC members is two years, beginning January 1 of each year. Teens may serve no more than two, two-year terms.
Expenses
Camp Fire USA National Headquarters provides travel, food and lodging for YAC members to attend two scheduled meetings each calendar year.
Basic Qualifications
Youth must meet the following qualifications to be eligible for membership on the Youth Advisory Cabinet:
- Be between the ages of 16 and 21
- Have leadership skills and experience in Camp Fire USA programs that serve the community
- Have a minimum of two years of experience in Camp Fire USA immediately prior to application
- Make a two-year commitment to YAC
- Be a free-thinker and communicate well
- Have a passion for Camp Fire USA
Application Process
The YAC application process occurs each summer. Camp Fire USA National Headquarters announces appointments in the fall. If you’re a Camp Fire USA member and interested in applying for a YAC position, contact your local council for an application or download an application here.
If you’re not a member of Camp Fire USA, contact your local council to get involved today! If you can’t find a Camp Fire USA council near you, e-mail info@campfireusa.org .
Questions
If you have questions, contact your local council, e-mail info@campfireusa.org or call the national teen program department at 816-285-2010.
