Youth leaders, residents and volunteers from around the Washington region took midfield Sunday at Bowie Baysox Stadium for the Camp Fire USA “On Behalf of Youth” awards.
“These are people we have worked with for several years,” said Patuxent Area Council President Mary Ruth Sherren. “They’ve shown their commitment to youth and children.”
Founded in 1910, Camp Fire became the first nonsectarian, interracial organization for girls. Now serving boys and girls around the nation, Camp Fire USA boasts 750,000 members. The group promotes community service, outdoor activities and leadership.
The Patuxent Area Council, serving the entire Washington region, honors citizens, members and alumni every two years for outstanding service to children and youth.
Fourth-year Camp Fire member Denise Cord, 20, of Bowie, received honors for raising more than $1,000 to restore Camp Fire facilities destroyed by a wildfire in San Diego last year. She raised the money through Habitat for Humanity.
“It’s an honor. I’m very excited,” said Cord, a Towson State University junior who is still active with the organization.
The boys and girls of the council choose the biannual awards recipients.
“This award means a lot and it’s completely unexpected,” said honoree David Emanuel, of Laurel. “It really means a lot, especially coming not from a board of adults, but a board of kids.”
Emanuel, a reporter for The Bowie Blade-News, was honored for years of volunteer work with Camp Fire, participating in career days through the region, and writing about events important to children and families.
The organization also honored recipients in Montgomery County and the District.
Former Executive Director Maude Katzenbach, of Silver Spring, was recognized for making sure there were camping programs for children as well as reaching out to local schools and communities.
Ruth Osborne won an alumni award posthumously for volunteering in the District and becoming known as “The Camp Fire Lady” of Southeast.
