Programs
Teen Programs...
ACES
The Sunshine Council developed the Advanced Camping Experts (ACES) program over 20 years ago. The ACES program teaches leadership, decision-making, teamwork, self-reliance skills using outdoor education as a medium. Council-held trainings, basic-to-advanced outdoor-living skills, community and council service hours, and various leadership roles prepare the teens to attend Primitive Camp. The “Red Shirt” is awarded at the successful completion of Primitive Camp. After three years of training this is one of the highest honors a Sunshine Council teen may earn. ACES is available to teens sixth grade and above.ROUNDTABLE YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Camp Fire USA’s Roundtable is a group of teen members who represent the views, ideas, and interests of teens in Camp Fire and others in the areas we serve. Teens are required to interview with Camp Fire staff, a Board Member, and the other members of the Roundtable. In addition to being “the voice” of teens within the council, the Roundtable is responsible for planning and directing Teen Camp, an annual teen excursion for all teen members in the council, coordinating fundraising and marketing efforts. Teens from sixth through twelfth grade may serve on RoundtableCF66 SERVICE-LEARNING ROAD TRIP
CF66 is a locally developed, weeklong service-learning road trip for teens. Fourteen teens and three adults’ travel by van throughout Florida learning more about our wonderful state and giving back to the communities they visit. The trip is full of youth empowerment and leadership opportunities. Teen are responsible for themselves and their teammates, helping with activities such as budgeting their money for the week, meal planning, map reading, solving puzzles, and of course, exciting service projects.
Service-learning is more than just volunteering; service-learning projects help individuals to see the world in a new way, to feel empowered to make a difference, and to improve academic skills through real-life experiences. During the CF66 trips, teens will be participating daily in demanding and intense service projects. Projects will very from destination to destination; some will be collaborative efforts with other agencies or other service-learning groups.This program is a rewarding and memorable experience that pushes teens to their limits. CF66 Service-Learning Road Trip has won the Colgate-Palmolive Youth for America Awards, the Disney Community Service Award, and the Outstanding Council Program Award from National Camp Fire. The Sunshine Council also received the honor of presenting CF66 at the National Youth Summit in Washington, DC and being recognized as a Daily Point of Light from the Points of Light Foundation.
NATURE QUEST CAMP
Nature Quest is an environmental education based service-learning trip for teens. Teen will travel by van throughout Central Florida learning more about the wonderful state, exploring the many facets of Florida wildlife and ecosystems, and learning about environmental advocacy, while giving back to the communities they visit.Whether a great first step on the way to a more intensive CF66 trip or a fantastic opportunity to check-out the amazing things in their own backyard, Nature Quest will be an incredible experience. The trip is full of youth empowerment and leadership opportunities. Nature Quest Camp is available to teens sixth grade and older.
VOLUNTEER YOUTH CORPS.
VYC members are teens, sixth grade through twelfth grade, who gain real life leadership and teamwork skills while earning service hours for school by participating in various service learning activities and projects. Teen members explore the needs of the community, make a plan to help fill that need, do the plan, complete the project, and reflect on their experience. Service projects may last from a couple of hours to a couple of months.BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Since 1910, Camp Fire USA has been providing teens an opportunity to play a part in governing their lives, their organizations and their communities. Camp Fire itself benefits from teens’ insights, fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Teen members can serve as members of Camp Fire USA’s Board of Directors, on both the local and national levels. The Board of Directors is a group of community and business leaders who volunteer their time to ensure Camp Fire fulfills its mission to "build caring, confident youth and future leaders". Teens are full, voting members of the Board of Directors and participate in policymaking, planning, fundraising, and evaluation. Teens, ninth through twelfth grade, may apply.YOUTH ADVISORY CABINET
Youth Advisory Cabinet (YAC) members serve in an advisory capacity at the national level and represent the body of Camp Fire USA youth in general. YAC members discuss matters of mutual concern related to youth, review national level teen programs, help plan for Camp Fire events, consult with the chief executive officer and national youth board members on youth issues, represent Camp Fire at local and national events, and provide a supporting-learning role for youth involvement with adults in various aspects of the organization.TEEN CAMP
Teen camp is an annual, weekend get-away designed and run by the Council’s Roundtable. Themes and locations vary by year. They have included a murder mystery weekend, the beach, improv comedy, and a renaissance festival.SUMMER CHALLENGE
Summer Challenge is geared toward empowering teens with knowledge and ability to complete service-learning projects. Projects range from working at a wildlife refuge to helping feed the homeless. Projects are educational and are a collaborative effort with other agencies throughout the county, lasting from half to full days. Summer Challenge is for teens sixth through twelfth grade.ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK (ASB)
Every spring break, Camp Fire gives teens, sixth through twelfth grade the chance to make a difference in the world. ASB trips, usually lasting three to five days, are full of fun, adventure, and tons of service. A great way for teens to meet new people and be empowered with the knowledge that can accomplish amazing things. Past trips have included building reef balls, removing invasive exotic plants, and hurricane recovery efforts in Louisiana. ASB trips combine service, camping, excursions and more.ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH CORPS (EYC)
EYC is a program for teens that are dedicated to environmental service, education, and outdoors rec. Activities include monthly service projects, camping trips, and advocacy efforts throughout the community. Designed to inspire teens with an appreciation and love of the outdoors.HAUNTED HOUSE
The Sunshine Council’s Teen Program hosts an annual Haunted House at the Camp Fire Center in Lakeland. Designed to scare the socks off visitors, it is not recommended for children under ten years old. Teens interested in volunteering should contact the council. Planning and design starts as early as August. See our online profile at www.hauntedhouseonline.com.ROCK SHOWS
Camp Fire hosts Rock Shows featuring local bands on a regular basis at the program center. Open to all ages. Shows give teens a safe place to hang out and band a chance to showcase their talents.
