The Challenge

There are those who give, and those who give of themselves. Marianne Itkin is of the latter camp! Since her days as a Camp Fire participant in the 1960s, Marianne has remained involved as an active volunteer at our Camp Namanu, as a volunteer leader of Camp Fire programs, and as past-President of the Alumni Association.

The Solution

What makes Marianne exceptional is that she is the full philanthropic package! She is a “roll-up your sleeves and get it done” volunteer (one need only attend a Namanu work weekend to observe her painting cabins, hacking at brambles, or power-washing bathhouses!); she is a community advocate, playing a leadership role in the alumni association and actively carrying the word about Camp Fire’s co-ed youth development programs; and she is a major donor, giving significant support to Camp Fire projects and programs in the last three years.

The Outcome

While her generosity to Camp Fire would easily render her to the ranks of “white gloved” major donor to be treated fawningly and cautiously, Marianne would have nothing to do with that! Next time Camp Fire needs volunteers for the candy sale, a leader for a field trip with one of our programs from high-poverty communities, or a sounding board for strategic-level decisions, she’ll continue to be our go-to volunteer/donor!

The Organization

Camp Fire USA Portland Metro Council is a co-educational community-based non-profit organization that builds caring, confident youth and future leaders. Through year-round educational and recreational opportunities and experiences, Camp Fire gives young people the tools they need to be successful at home, at school, and in our larger community.

Camp Fire programs include:

• After-school youth development programs: available from elementary school through middle school and high school. Participants enjoy academic and social enrichment, life-skills training, mentoring, and service learning.
• Camp Namanu: a traditional summer camp in operation since 1924. Located one hour east of Portland on the shoulders of Mt. Hood, Camp Namanu consists of more than 550 acres of mixed forest, meadows, stream courses and hilly terrain, offering a beautiful, secluded setting for a variety of traditional summer camp activities.
• Small Group Programs: available nationwide for boys and girls ages three through high school. Meeting weekly and led by volunteers, participants get involved in service projects that help them become responsible citizens concerned about their communities and society.

www.portlandcampfire.org