CAMP FIRE FIRST TEXAS

Camp Fire First Texas is a long-established nonprofit (founded 1914) based in Fort Worth that runs youth development, camp and early education workforce programs across North Texas. The organization operates Camp El Tesoro (overnight and day camps, grief camp, outdoor education), after-school and out-of-school-time programs, and school-readiness work aligned with Fort Worth ISD. In recent years Camp Fire has expanded its Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP), a Department of Labor–registered apprenticeship for early educators, and continued to document measurable academic gains for children who participate in its School Readiness sites. The organization partners with local school districts, community foundations and workforce/college partners to scale workforce development for early childhood teachers and improve kindergarten readiness in targeted neighborhoods. Camp Fire First Texas positions itself as an inclusive, community-centered provider that combines direct youth programming with system-level supports for early childhood quality and educator career pathways, serving primarily children and families in lower-income North Texas neighborhoods.