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Gather Around the Camp Fire | |
Camp Fire Georgia's Monthly News & Community Newsletter
NOVEMBER 2026 • CAMP FIRE GEORGIA
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IN THIS ISSUE
Camp Fire Georgia News · Afterschool · Foundation Spotlight · Camp Toccoa News · Centennial ·
Camp Fire Spotlight · Camp Memories
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CAMP FIRE GEORGIA
News, updates & stories from across the organization
By Jennifer Hutchins, Board Chair
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November is a wonderful time to reflect on the people and partnerships that make Camp Fire Georgia special. As we approach Thanksgiving, I’m especially grateful for the community that surrounds our organization. Across Camp Fire, young people are learning, creating, and discovering their sparks—and the people who support our mission help make those experiences possible.
This month, we’re celebrating the foundations whose generosity sustains our work, the Centennial Committee beginning plans for Camp Toccoa’s 100th anniversary, and the everyday moments that make our programs meaningful. Each is a reminder that Camp Fire’s impact extends far beyond a single program or summer.
As Giving Tuesday approaches, I hope you’ll consider how you can help carry this impact forward. Every gift, volunteer hour, and shared story helps strengthen Camp Fire Georgia for the next generation.
Thank you for being part of our community. I’m grateful for all we’ve accomplished together and excited for what’s ahead as we build our next chapter.
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AFTERSCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
What's happening in our afterschool programs
By Michelle Taylor
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The Camp Fire Afterschool Program continues to serve all the elementary schools in Stephens County. Our students have been working hard on their entries for the Lion's Club annual Peace Poster contest, and have each created a poster to enter in the competition.
All the entries will be published in the annual Lion's Club calendar. We look forward to sharing their art work!
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND CAMP FIRE
Upcoming events, programs, and opportunities
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November 1, 2026
Camp Registration Opens!
Session date details below - Register your campers and pay in full before December 31st to save $50!
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November 7, 2026
Fall Celebration Event
Come enjoy a family fun day at Camp Toccoa - no pre-registration required! $20 entry free per child under 18, one free adult entry with every child. Unaccompanied adults - $10 entry fee
All entries include activities and meal tickets.
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THANK YOU TO OUR FOUNDATION PARTNERS
Because of you, the campfires keep burning
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Camp Fire Georgia is fortunate to have foundation partners who believe in our mission and invest in opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and discover their sparks.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Harbin Family Foundation, whose generosity has provided $15,000 over the past three years, and the Heaton-McBrayer Foundation, which has contributed an extraordinary $75,000 since 2023.
Their continued support helps sustain the programs and experiences that make Camp Fire Georgia special. As we look toward Camp Toccoa’s Centennial in 2027, we are especially grateful for partners who help preserve our legacy while investing in the next generation.
To both foundations, thank you for your generosity, your confidence in our work, and your commitment to the young people and families we serve. Your support truly makes a difference!
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AROUND THE ORGANIZATION
Board, committee, and Camp Fire updates
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BOARD AND COMMITTEE NEWS
CFG’s Board of Directors is currently concentrating on two key priorities: updating the organization’s 3-year and 5-year Strategic Plans and recruiting new members to the Board who possess the qualities and enthusiasm to bring those Strategic Plans to fruition. We eagerly anticipate sharing more details about these significant tasks with you soon.
The Centennial Committee convened its inaugural meeting on October 20th and is exploring some remarkable ideas to commemorate and celebrate Camp Toccoa’s 100th anniversary! Stay tuned for further insights into our plans!
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CAMP FIRE NEWS
News from Camp Fire National Headquarters:
Camp Fire has been named a finalist for the 11th Annual Shorty Impact Awards in the Social Movement category!
In a partnership with AT&T, Camp Fire participated in an initiative to help bridge the digital divide by distributing more than 2,500 laptops to young people and families across 24 Camp Fire affiliates in 14 states, plus partners in the Puyallup Tribe. The laptops help recipients stay connected, curious, and future-ready.
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THE CAMP FIRE SPOTLIGHT
Celebrating the people who make a difference
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Jeanette Dauer has been part of the Camp Toccoa family for decades, first as a camper from 1993–2003 and now as one of its dedicated supporters. Jeanette has generously given her time and talents to Camp Fire Georgia, volunteering at Fall Festivals, participating in countless work weekends, and stepping up whenever Camp Toccoa needs a helping hand.
Her latest contribution is especially creative! Jeanette commissioned artist and Twitch streamer TehNessa to design a collection of Camp Toccoa-themed coloring and activity pages, which she is donating to Camp Fire Georgia for our campers to enjoy.
Jeanette’s generosity, creativity, and continued commitment make a lasting difference. Thank you, Jeanette, for always finding new ways to give back to the place that means so much to so many!
Take a peek at one of the new coloring and activity pages below!
| | News, Stories and Memories from Camp Toccoa | | EST. 1927 - CAMP TOCCOA, GEORGIA | | |
FROM THE CAMP DIRECTOR
By Chuck Taylor, Camp Director
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CAMP TOCCOA NEWS
What's happening 'beneath the pines'
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Summer 2027
Overnight Camp and Day Camp registration is
NOW OPEN!
Session 1: June 6 - June 12, 2027
Session 2: June 13 - June 19, 2027
Session 3: June 20 - June 26, 2027
Session 4: June 27 - July 3, 2027
Mini-Camp: July 7 - July 10, 2027
Overnight Campers Only
Session 5: July 11 - July 17, 2027
Session 6: July 18 - July 24, 2027
CIT Program: June 13 - June 26, 2027
Visit our website to register!
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100 YEARS OF CAMP TOCCOA
The Centennial Countdown: 1927 - 2027
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The excitement is building! Our Centennial Committee held its first meeting and is already exploring ways to make Camp Toccoa’s 100th anniversary in 2027 a true homecoming - a chance for generations of campers, counselors, staff, and friends to reconnect and give back to the place that brought them together.
Ideas include “Decades of Service,” a series of weekend overnights inviting alumni from different decades to return to camp, reconnect with old friends, and complete a service project to help prepare Camp Toccoa for its next century. We’re also exploring an art auction featuring Camp-themed pieces created and donated by alumni artists!
Are you an artist? If you’d be interested in creating and donating a Camp-inspired work of art for the auction, we’d love to hear from you! Email jenn.hutchins@campfirega.org to share your interest.
EXPLORE THE CENTENNIAL
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CAMP MEMORIES
Remembering the moments that made camp special
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Submitted by Michaela Bramblett
My first group of campers my first summer as a counselor, circa 2015. Photo was taken during campout on Quarry Rock.
SHARE YOUR CAMP STORY
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THE CAMP TOCCOA CLASSIFIEDS
Messages from campers, for campers
Got a shout out, camp memory, birthday wish, lost-and-found item, or just something you want your fellow campers to see? Send it our way!
| | | | Submissions are reviewed by Camp Fire Georgia before publication. We may edit submissions for length, clarity and safety, and cannot guarantee publication. Please do not include phone numbers, addresses, social media handles or requests for private contact. | |
CAMPER CORNER
This month's camp challenge
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How Tall is the Climbing Wall?
Can you guess how tall the Climbing Wall is?
[ANSWER WILL APPEAR IN NEXT MONTH'S ISSUE]
The climbing wall is located in the "caboose field", next to the Yoki Unit House. It is a triangular structure with holds for rock climbing on one side and an obstacle course meant for two on another side.
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OCT. ISSUE'S QUESTION: Can you name the waterfalls on camp property?
ANSWER: Horseback Falls (left photo in Oct. issue) and Red Falls (right photo in Oct. issue)
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KATY GOES TO CAMP
In 1993, Camp Toccoa made headlines when it was featured in the prestigious newspaper USA Today! The newspaper sent one of its journalists to camp to experience the life of a camper firsthand. The journalist meticulously documented her daily activities, which she later published in the nationally-circulated newspaper.
The article, which has since become a cherished piece of Camp Toccoa’s history, is currently displayed in the Dining Hall.
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KEEP THE FIRE BURNING
Help create the next generation of Camp Fire memories
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As we give thanks this November and look toward Camp Toccoa’s Centennial, we’re reminded that places like this don’t remain special by accident. They are cared for, supported, and passed from one generation to the next.
This Giving Tuesday, December 1st, please consider making Camp Fire Georgia your charity of choice to support. Your gift helps keep the cabins standing, programs growing, and opportunities available for young people to discover their sparks beneath the pines. Whether you give $10, $100, or simply share our story with someone who loves Camp Toccoa, you are helping carry its legacy forward. Our goal is to raise $5,000 this Giving Tuesday!
And while every gift matters, the number of people who choose to support Camp Fire Georgia matters just as much as the amount given. A growing community of donors demonstrates that Camp Toccoa has a strong, engaged community behind it—and can help strengthen our eligibility for grants and other funding opportunities.
This Giving Tuesday, join us in keeping the Camp Fire burning for the next generation—and the next 100 years.
Your support helps Camp Fire Georgia provide meaningful experiences for young people today while preserving Camp Toccoa for generations to come.
| | GATHER AROUND THE CAMP FIRE | | Stay connected with Camp Fire Georgia and Camp Toccoa throughout the month. | | |
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WoHeLo,
Camp Fire Georgia
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