Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Public Charity Status and Public Support
Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section
4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
CAMP FIRE USA FIRST TEXAS COUNCIL
Employer identification number
75-0851201
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status
(All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)
6
7
8
9
receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of
its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses
acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)
10
11
e
By checking this box, I certify that the organization is not controlled directly or indirectly by one or more disqualified persons other than foundation managers and other than one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2).
f
If the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II or Type III supporting organization, check this box
..................................................
g
Since August 17, 2006, has the organization accepted any gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
(i) a person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (ii)
Yes
No
and (iii) below, the governing body of the the supported organization?
................
11g(i)
(ii)
a family member of a person described in (i) above?
......................
11g(ii)
(iii)
a 35% controlled entity of a person described in (i) or (ii) above?
................
11g(iii)
h
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i) Name of supported organization
(ii) EIN
(iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions))
(iv) Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document?
(v) Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support?
(vi) Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.?
(vii) Amount of support?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Total
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the
organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization fails to
qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
2,657,753
2,543,395
2,184,874
2,844,443
2,494,095
12,724,560
2
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......
3
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
4
Total. Add lines 1 through 3..
2,657,753
2,543,395
2,184,874
2,844,443
2,494,095
12,724,560
5
The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included
on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f)..
537,746
6
Public Support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
12,186,814
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
2,657,753
2,543,395
2,184,874
2,844,443
2,494,095
12,724,560
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
365,584
101,566
68,453
90,640
40,779
667,022
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
61,044
74,652
14,620
150,316
10
Other income. (Explain in Part IV.) Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets..
32,113
21,719
13,629
9,506
52,499
129,466
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
13,671,364
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (See instructions.)
..................
12
9,864,244
13
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here..........................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
Public Support Percentage for 2010 (line 6 column (f) divided by line 11 column (f))
.........
14
89.140 %
15
Public Support Percentage for 2009 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
88.680 %
16a
33 1/3% support test—2010.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
......................
b
33 1/3% support test—2009.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....................
17a
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2010.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization
..................................................
b
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2009.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..............................................
18
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a or 17b, check this box and see
instructions
...................................................
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 509(a)(2) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 9 of Part I or if the organization
failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under
the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .
2
Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose......
3
Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513..
4
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...
5
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
6
Total. Add lines 1 through 5.
7a
Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...
b
Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.
c
Add lines 7a and 7b..
8
Public Support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
9
Amounts from line 6...
10a
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
b
Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c
Add lines 10a and 10b.
11
Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.
12
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)
13
Total support (Add lines 9, 10c, 11 and 12.).
14
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here.............................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
Public Support Percentage for 2010 (line 8 column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
.........
15
16
Public support percentage from 2009 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2010 (line 10c column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
......
17
18
Investment income percentage from 2009 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2010.
If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3% and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..........
b
33 1/3% support tests—2009.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
....
20
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a or 19b, check this box and see instructions
.....
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the explanation required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; or Part III, line 12. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).
Facts And Circumstances Test
Explanation
SCHEDULE A, PART IV, SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: SCHEDULE A PART II SECTION B LINE 10: MISCELLANEOUS INCOME
SCHEDULE A, PART IV, LIST OF UNUSUAL GRANTS: CAPITAL CAMPAIGN 2010 DATE: 12/31/10 AMOUNT: 368265.
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Additional Data
Software ID:
Software Version:
-
TIN:
SCHEDULE O (Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ
Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or to provide any additional information.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
CAMP FIRE USA FIRST TEXAS COUNCIL
Employer identification number
75-0851201
Identifier
Return Reference
Explanation
ORGANIZATION MISSION STATEMENT
FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
THE PROGRAM TEACHERS USE THE RESEARCHED-BASED HIGH/SCOPE CURRICULUM IN COMBINATION WITH THE CAMP FIRE FAMILY-CENTERED CHILD DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY AS AN EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORK THAT GUIDES TEACHING AND LEARNING. TEACHERS NURTURE SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL COMPETENCIES AS WELL AS THE COGNITIVE ABILITY AND PHYSICAL SKILLS OF EACH CHILD IN THEIR CARE WHILE RESPONDING TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL INTERESTS AND NEEDS. THE SCHOOL-YEAR PROGRAM IS DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN AGE SIX WEEKS TO PRE-K AND INCLUDES ADDITIONAL ENRICHMENT CLASSES SUCH AS SOCCER, CHEERLEADING, FUN FITNESS PROGRAMS, AND MUSIC. EACH SUMMER, THE CDC OFFERS AN EXPANDED PROGRAM WHICH ACCEPTS CHILDREN UP TO AGE SEVEN. THE PROGRAM EXCEEDS STANDARDS MANDATED BY THE STATES CHILD CARE REGULATORY AGENCIES AND SEEKS TO MEET STANDARDS THAT REFLECT RESEARCHED-BASED BEST PRACTICES IN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD FIELD, AS EXEMPLIFIED BY ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL ACCREDITATION COMMISSION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS (NAC) AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN (NAEYC). IT HAS BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED THAT QUALITY EARLY LEARNING EXPERIENCES ARE AN INTEGRAL FOUNDATION FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SUCCESS. CAMP FIRE USA FIRST TEXAS COUNCIL DEMONSTRATES ITS VALUE IN THE EARLY YEARS BY SUPPORTING A RESOURCE FOR THE COMMUNITY AND EDUCATION CENTER FOR ADULTS AND LAB SCHOOL WHERE LOCAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONALS CAN OBSERVE QUALITY CHILD/TEACHER INTERACTIONS, EARLY CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENT, AND OTHER CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION THAT EXHIBITS BEST PRACTICES IN THE FIELD. SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS DIAMOND HILL STATION-EXTENDED SERVICES CAMP EXPEDITION SUMMER PROGRAM AT DIAMOND HILL STATION PROVIDES YOUTH-BASED CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES, RECREATIONAL SERVICES, AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES. THE GOAL OF THE PROGRAM IS TO (1) DETER YOUTH WHO LIVE IN THE TARGETED 76106/76164 AREA FROM ENGAGING IN RISKY AND/OR DELINQUENT BEHAVIOR, AND (2) PROMOTE THEIR SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL, EDUCATIONAL/COGNITIVE, AND PHYSICAL WELL BEING USING THE PEACEBUILDERS CURRICULUM. THE RESEARCH-BASED PEACEBUILDERS CURRICULUM IS A STRENGTH-BASED APPROACHED GEARED TOWARD REDUCING AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR, AND IMPROVING SOCIAL COMPETENCE. IT HAS BEEN WELL-DOCUMENTED THAT SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE IS A NECESSARY FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS IN SCHOOL, IN HOME, AND IN COMMUNITY. THE PEACEBUILDERS CURRICULUM, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CAMP FIRE USA VALUES FRAMEWORK, IS SPECIFICALLY IMPLEMENTED IN A CLIMATE THAT (1) IS STRENGTH BASED - FOCUSING ON CHILDREN'S STRENGTHS AND RECOGNIZING PRO-SOCIAL BEHAVIOR, (2) PROVIDES POSITIVE ROLE - MODELING FROM CARING ADULTS, AND (3) RESPONDS TO CHILDREN'S NEEDS FOR SAFETY, CONSISTENCY, AND PRODUCTIVITY - THE ABILITY TO CONTRIBUTE IN POSITIVE WAYS TO THEIR COMMUNITY. MONIES THAT SUPPORT THIS PROGRAM ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PURCHASE OF FOOD FOR SNACKS, SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS NEEDED FOR CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION, AND CARING ADULT EDUCATORS FOR CHILDREN WHO, WITHOUT SUBSIDY, WOULD NOT HAVE THE MEANS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS VITAL OUT-OF-SCHOOL PROGRAM. CAMP EXPEDITION PROGRAM PROVIDES QUALITY PROGRAMMING DURING THE SUMMER FOR DISADVANTAGED YOUTH, PROVIDING WHOLESOME AND PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES THAT HELP BUILD THEIR RESILIENCY, CONFIDENCE, AND LIFE SKILLS. CAMP EXPEDITION PROVIDES YOUTH PEOPLE WITH STRUCTURED ACTIVITIES THAT ENGAGE THEM IN SHARING AND ENJOYING ACTIVITIES WITH PEERS, HELPING BUILD POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS BUILT ON MUTUAL INTERESTS RATHER THAN GANG AFFILIATION. YOUTH PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS, INCREASING THEIR SELF ESTEEM AND GIVING THEM RECOGNITION AS POSITIVE FORCES WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITY, ALL OF WHICH IS VITAL TO HELPING TO PREVENT JUVENILE DELINQUENCY. CAMP EXPEDITION IS A BENEFIT TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY AS IT NOT ONLY FOSTERS IMPORTANT SKILLS IN YOUTH, BUT ALSO PROVIDES A SAFE PLACE FOR YOUTH TO BE DURING SUMMER MONTHS WHERE CARING ADULTS NURTURE THEIR WELL-BEING AND CITIZENRY. WITH ALMOST 100 YEARS EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH YOUTH, CAMP FIRE USA HAS LEARNED THAT YOUTH WHO ARE SAFELY SUPERVISED AND POSITIVELY INVOLVED WITH THEIR COMMUNITY ARE LESS-LIKELY TO BE EXPLOITED OR INVOLVED IN GANGS, VIOLENCE, DRUGS, AND OTHER DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR. ONE OF CAMP EXPEDITIONS STRENGTH'S LIES IN ITS LOCATION AT DIAMOND HILL STATION, A FREE-STANDING BUILDING EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO YOUTH AND FAMILIES IN THE DIAMOND HILL NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY. AN ADDITIONAL PROGRAM FOR YOUTH AGES 10-14 IS HOUSED IN THE SAME BUILDING, CREATING A CONVENIENT DROP OFF LOCATION FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN OF MULTIPLE AGES. FINALLY, THE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES USING THE PEACEBUILDERS FRAMEWORK PROVIDED BY CARING ADULTS WHO HAVE WORKED AT THE PROGRAMS FOR MANY YEARS IS A SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH OF THE PROGRAM. CAMP FIRE OFFERS SAFE, FUN PROGRAMS AFTER SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS AT SITES IN THE ALEDO AND FORT WORTH AREAS OF TEXAS. AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS PROVIDE AN EXTENDED DAY OF ENRICHMENT, QUALITY CARE, HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE AND DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES. DURING SCHOOL BREAKS, ALL-DAY CAMP FIRE PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOL AGE YOUTH ARE OFFERED IN THE ALEDO AND FORT WORTH AREA. YOUTH PARTICIPANTS EXPERIENCE FUN FIELD TRIPS, ACTIVITIES, AND VISITS TO OUR NATURE/CAMP CENTERS THAT OFFER ENRICHMENT AND EXTENDED EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. IN ADDITION, PROGRAM STAFF IN BOTH OUR AFTER-SCHOOL AND ALL-DAY PROGRAMS COORDINATES SERVICE-LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AS A MEANS OF CONTRIBUTING POSITIVELY TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES, AND OF DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS AND MORAL CHARACTER. TEEN PROGRAMS STEP UP CAMP FIRE'S STEP UP PROGRAM WORKS TO IMPROVE SCHOOL COMPLETION RATES AT AREA HIGH SCHOOLS. THE INTERVENTION PROGRAM HELPS AT-RISK STUDENTS REMAIN ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN SCHOOL, GRADUATE, AND PREPARE FOR A PROMISING FUTURE. STAFF PROVIDES INDIVIDUALIZED ATTENTION TO STUDENTS AND ALSO OFFERS SMALL GROUP CLASSES AT LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS TO HELP THEM IDENTIFY AND RESOLVE THE ISSUES THAT ARE CAUSING THEM TO BE TRUANT. THE PROGRAM ENGAGES PARENTS AND HELPS STRENGTHEN FAMILY CONNECTIONS THROUGH HOME VISITS. THE EXTENDED STEP UP PROGRAM RUNS DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. DURING THIS TIME, YOUTH ARE ENCOURAGED TO REMAIN CONNECTED TO THEIR FAMILIES, THEIR SCHOOLS, AND THEIR COMMUNITY. YOUTH HELP PLAN FOR AND COORDINATE SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS, SOMETIMES ALONGSIDE COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS. THROUGH THESE PROJECTS AND EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIPS, STEP UP PARTICIPANTS NOT ONLY CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITY, BUT ALSO FURTHER DEVELOP THEIR OWN SKILLS AND LEARN ABOUT CAREER PREPARATION. THE STEP UP PROGRAM FOCUSES ON 14-17 YEAR OLD YOUTH WHO RESIDE IN OR ATTEND SCHOOL IN THE 76016/76164 ZIP CODE AREA AND ARE IDENTIFIED AS TRUANT OR AT RISK OF BECOMING TRUANT. THE PURPOSE OF STEP UP IS TO REENGAGE STUDENTS INTO THEIR SCHOOL COMMUNITY AND ULTIMATELY TO ENCOURAGE SCHOOL COMPLETION. THE CURRENT POPULATION SERVED IS MOSTLY HISPANIC MALES AND FEMALES. THE MAJORITY OF THE PARTICIPANTS ARE REFERRED TO THE STEP UP PROGRAM BY FORT WORTH ISD "STAY IN SCHOOL" COUNSELORS, COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS FACILITATOR, OR SCHOOL FACULTY. THE STEP UP PROGRAM SPECIALIST UTILIZES THE RESEARCH-BASED CURRICULUM, RECONNECTING YOUTH DURING WEEKLY SMALL GROUP SESSIONS HELD AT THE STUDENTS' HOME SCHOOL, DURING ELECTIVE PERIOD HOURS. RECOGNIZED AS A "MODEL PROGRAM" BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, RECONNECTING YOUTH HAS A TRACK RECORD OF BEING A SUCCESSFUL FRAMEWORK FOR HELPING HIGH-RISK YOUTH IN THE AREAS OF SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT, ANGER MANAGEMENT, AND DEPRESSION AND IS DESIGNED TO RECONNECT PARTICIPANTS IN THEIR COMMUNITY, THEIR FAMILY, AND THEMSELVES.
THE PROGRAM SPECIALIST FOCUSES ON CREATING A SUPPORTIVE GROUP DYNAMIC AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS AS WELL AS INDIVIDUAL LIFE-SKILLS TRAINING, INCLUDING CONFLICT-RESOLUTION, COMMUNICATION, AND GOAL-SETTING. THE PROGRAM SPECIALIST ALSO FOCUSES ON HELPING PARTICIPANTS OVERCOME BARRIERS TO THEIR EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS. IN ADDITION TO THE WEEKLY SCHOOL-HOUR SESSIONS, THE YOUTH ARE ALSO EXPOSED TO HIGHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, VOCATIONAL JOB POSSIBILITIES, BY WAY OF FIELD TRIPS AND GUEST SPEAKERS AND "JOB SHADOWING" AS WELL AS THE VALUE OF CONTRIBUTING POSTIVELY TO THEIR COMMUNITY VIA SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS THAT OCCUR ON WEEKENDS AND INTO THE SUMMER MONTHS. THE STEP UP TEAM [PROGRAM SPECIALIST, THE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR, AND OTHER SUPPORTIVE STAFF] ACHIEVES THESE AIMS BY MONITORING SCHOOL ATTENDANCE, GRADES, SCHOOL BEHAVIOR REPORTS, AND ANECDOTAL INFORMATION FROM THE YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES TO USE AS A GUIDANCE, SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT. THE YOUTH BENEFIT FROM A COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE STEP UP TEAM, THE SCHOOL TEAM, AND THE FAMILY TEAM. WHILE THE STEP UP AND SCHOOL TEAMS ARE ABLE TO CONNECT AT THE SCHOOL SITE, THE PROGRAM SPECIALIST CONTACTS FAMILIES AND IS AVAILABLE FOR HOME VISITS TO HELP FACILITATE FAMILY CONNECTEDNESS TO THE PROGRAM AND TO THE STUDENT. STUDENTS WHO ARE IN ATTENDANCE REGULARLY ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN SCHOOL, AND ARE MORE LIKELY TO GRADUATE. CAMP FIRE USA STRIVES TO KEEP YOUTH INVOLVED IN THEIR COMMUNITIES, PRESENT, AND OUT OF TROUBLE AT SCHOOL SO THAT THEY CAN COMPLETE THEIR EDUCATION AND BECOME CARING, COMPETENT, AND POSITIVELY CONTRIBUTING CITIZENS. IT HAS BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED THAT LOW STUDENT-STAFF RATIOS CONTRIBUTE TO SUCCESSFUL EDUCATION EXPERIENCES. THE STEP UP PROGRAM IS STRUCTURED IN A MANNER THAT EACH STUDENT GROUP SESSION CARRIES A VERY LOW STUDENT-STAFF RATIO (TYPICALLY OF NO MORE THAN 8:1). THE LOW RATIO HELPS MAKE STRONG INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS MORE POSSIBLE AS IT INCREASES THE QUANTITY OF HIGH-QUALITY, FACILITATED INTERACTIONS AMONG PARTICIPANTS THAT LEADS TO A TRUSTING ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH YOUTH CAN TEACH AND LEARN FROM ONE ANOTHER. IN ADDITION TO LOW RATIOS, THE CONTINUITY OF CARE IS INCREASED BECAUSE THE PROGRAM OCCURS FROM YEAR TO YEAR AT THE SAME SCHOOLS. CONTINUOUS SERVICES INCREASE THE IMPACT OF THE STEP UP PROGRAM ON BOTH THE PARTICIPANT AND THE COMMUNITY. DURING 2010, 1,540 YOUTH AND ADULTS PARTICIPATED IN SMALL GROUP PROGRAMS.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 2
FAMILY RELATIONSHIP: PAM PIGMAN, DIRECTOR OF CAMPFIRE USA FIRST TEXAS COUCIL, AND REED PIGMAN, DIRECTOR OF CAMPFIRE USA FIRST TEXAS FOUNDATION, HAVE A FAMILY RELATIONSHIP.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 4
CAMPFIRE USA FIRST TEXAS COUNCIL REVISED ITS BYLAWS IN JANUARY 2010 TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE TEXAS BUSINESS ORGAINZATIONS CODE. THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: (1) CHANGES TO THE BYLAWS WERE MADE IN CONSULTATION WITH FRANK SOMMERVILLE OF WEYCER, KAPLAN, PULASKI & ZUBER, P. C. IN ARLINGTON, TX AND A MEMBER OF THE GROUP THAT REWROTE THE BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS CODE. (2) ADDITIONAL CHANGES WERE INCORPORATED INTO THE NEW BYLAWS AFTER DISCUSSION BY FIRST TEXAS COUNCIL VOLUNTEERS TO MAKE OUR OPERATIONS MORE RELEVANT TO THE SERVICE ORGANIZATION THAT WE NOW ARE, COMPARED WITH THE MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION THAT WE WERE FOR MANY YEARS. (3) VOTING MEMBERS ARE NOW DEFINED AS MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WHO HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ELECT THE BOARD, OFFICERS, AND BOARD DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, AND TO AMEND THE BYLAWS. (4) ADULT MEMBERS WILL INCLUDE ALL PARTICIPANTS 18 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER (A CHANGE FROM 21 YEARS OF AGE). (5) THE ANNUAL MEETING IS A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. COMMUNITY RECOGNITION PURPOSES OF THE CURRENT ANNUAL MEETING WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO ANOTHER TYPE OF EVENT. (6) BOARD MEETINGS ARE NOW DESCRIBED AS OCCURRING AT LEAST FOUR TIMES PER YEAR, INSTEAD OF ONLY AS DETERMINED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD. (7) VOTING BY ELECTRONIC MEANS IS NOW PERMITTED, AS REQUIRED BY THE BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS CODE.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 6
ADULT MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL PARTICIPATE IN GOVERNANCE BY ELECTING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7A
ADULT MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL ELECT THE BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEMBERS AND OFFICERS.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11
THE IRS FORM 990 IS E-MAILED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW AND COMMENT PRIOR TO FILING. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS SCHEDULED TO MEET WITH MANAGEMENT FOR FURTHER REVIEW OF THE IRS FORM 990 AFTER IT IS FILED. EACH PAGE WILL BE REVIEWED AND QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY MANAGEMENT. IF NECESSARY, QUESTIONS MAY BE REFERRED TO THE COUNCIL'S ACCOUNTING FIRM, WHO PREPARED THE FORM 990 WITH INFORMATION PROVIDED BY MANAGEMENT.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C
THE COUNCIL REQUIRES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES TO ANNUALLY DISCLOSE ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN A WRITTEN STATEMENT TO THE BOARD. FURTHER, WHERE THERE IS A CONFLICT OR POTENTIAL CONFLICT, THE BOARD MEMBER IS REQUIRED TO ABSTAIN FROM ANY VOTE RELATED TO SUCH CONFLICT.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15
LINE 15A: THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD SERVES AS THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE AND IS CHARGED WITH SETTING COMPENSATION FOR THE PRESIDENT/CEO ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. THEY ARE PROVIDED WITH A HISTORY OF THE CEO'S COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS ON AN ANNUAL BASIS WHEN REVIEWING PROPOSED COMPENSATION FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR. IN ADDITION, THEY ARE ALSO PROVIDED INFORMATION DERIVED FROM IRS 990 FORMS ABOUT THE COMPENSATION OF COMPARABLE LOCAL NON-PROFIT CEOS AND COMPARABLE CEOS OF OTHER CAMP FIRE COUNCILS OF SIMILAR SIZE AND SCOPE WITHIN THE UNITED STATES. INFORMATION DERIVED FROM SALARY STUDIES OF NON-PROFIT PROFESSIONALS IN THE DALLAS/FORT WORTH AREA IS ALSO USED TO ASSIST IN DETERMINING COMPENSATION. THE COMPENSATION PACKAGE IS APPROVED THROUGH THE BUDGETING PROCESS BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. LINE 15B: THE CEO SETS COMPENSATION FOR OTHER KEY POSITIONS AFTER REVIEWING SALARY SURVEYS AND SALARY & BENFIT COMPENSATION PLANS.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19
THE COUNCIL'S IRS FORM 990 IS POSTED ON GUIDESTAR.COM. IN ADDITION, AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, BYLAWS, AND COUNCIL POLICIES, ARE ALSO AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
AUDIT OVERSIGHT
FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 2C
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OVERSEES THE AUDIT AND THE SELECTION OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR. THIS PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED FROM THE PRIOR YEAR.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.