YOUTH ADVISORY CABINET

Camp Fire USA believes that youth leadership is very important. Because of that, Camp Fire established a national youth advisory group in the late 1980’s. This advisory group is known as the Youth Advisory Cabinet (YAC). 

YAC serves in an advisory position to the national staff and national board of trustees. It also acts as the voice for all Camp Fire USA youth. 

Activities and responsibilities of YAC members include:

• Discussing issues that are important to teens; 
• Helping to plan Camp Fire USA events, such as the Camp Fire USA National Convention and the National Youth Forum; 
• Consulting with national staff and national youth board members on youth issues; and 
• Representing Camp Fire USA at local and national events and with other organizations.

Each Camp Fire USA youth who meets basic qualifications is encouraged to apply to become a member of YAC. 

Cabinet Composition
YAC is made up of teen leaders from across the country. Currently, the cabinet includes eight teens from the general Camp Fire USA population and four teens that serve as national youth board members, including the vice president of youth leadership. 

Youth Advisory Cabinet 2006
The 2006 YAC members are:

• Kayla Drozd, Portland Metro Council, Portland, Oregon
• Lindsey Edens, Camp Fire USA Wilani Council, Eugene, Oregon
• Michael Johnson, Lone Star Council, Dallas, Texas
• Katie Manolas, youth representative to national board of trustees, Camp Fire USA Greater Arizona Council, Phoenix
• Andrew Michael Neill, Camp Fire USA Wilani Council, Eugene, Oregon
• James Nolan, Central Ohio Council, Columbus
• Kelly Peneston, youth representative to national board of trustees, Central New York Council, East Syracuse
• Hillary U, Camp Fire USA Central Puget Sound Council, Seattle
• Marybeth Vavra, vice president of youth leadership, national board of trustees, Camp Fire USA Sunshine Council, Lakeland, Florida
• Bridget Wall, Camp Fire USA Minnesota Council, Saint Paul, Minnesota
• John Washburn, Georgia Council, Atlanta
• Jeremy Wroblewski, Patuxent Area Council, Bowie, Maryland

Term of Office
The term of office for YAC members is two years, beginning January 1 of each year. Teens may serve no more than two, two-year terms. 

Expenses
Camp Fire USA National Headquarters provides travel, food and lodging for YAC members to attend two scheduled meetings each calendar year.

Basic Qualifications
Youth must meet the following qualifications to be eligible for membership on the Youth Advisory Cabinet:

• Be between the ages of 16 and 21;
• Have leadership skills and experience in Camp Fire USA programs that serve the community;
• Have a minimum of two years of experience in Camp Fire USA immediately prior to application;
• Make a two-year commitment to YAC;
• Be a free-thinker and communicate well; and
• Have a passion for Camp Fire USA.

Application Process
The YAC application process occurs each summer. Camp Fire USA National Headquarters announces appointments in the fall. If you’re a Camp Fire USA member and interested in applying for a YAC position, contact your local council for an application or download an application here.

If you’re not a member of Camp Fire USA, contact your local council  to get involved today! If you can’t find a Camp Fire USA council near you, e-mail teens@campfireusa.org.

Questions
If you have questions, contact your local council, e-mail teens@campfireusa.org  or call the national teen program department at 816 285 2010.