CAMP FIRE GIRLS

Camp Fire alumni of all ages are invited to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of Alburtis Camp Fire during a banquet Oct. 15 at the Alburtis Area Recreation Center, 220 West 2nd St., Alburtis.

Alburtis resident Caroline Paiste Butz brought Camp Fire to the western Lehigh/eastern Berks County region in 1927.

A former teacher, she saw the value that Camp Fire, America’s first nonsectarian, multicultural organization for girls, imparted to Alburtis-area youngsters. Paiste’s efforts brought generations of local girls the opportunity to learn about camping, Native American life, citizenship, sports, work, health and love. For many, Camp Fire helped them cultivate an appreciation of the great outdoors and promote life skills that helped them throughout their lives.

Paiste’s daughter, Jean Butz Stoneback continued the Camp Fire tradition in Alburtis for three decades and then the torch was passed to Paiste’s granddaughters, Hope DeIaco and Faith Andrews, and her great-granddaughters Kelli DeIaco, Holly DeIaco-Smith and Katey DeIaco-Shartzer. Today’s troops include children and grandchildren of former Camp Fire girls.

The banquet, which begins 4 p.m., will feature good company, fun memories, Camp Fire games, songs and lore, a meal and a raffle.

There is a cost for tickets; children six and under are free. The banquet will be catered by Alburtis’s own Mr. Frey of Frey’s Store. For those who have experienced Camp Fire, few can forget the fun times, friendships and experience that Camp Fire brings into their lives.

For tickets, contact Hope at 610-966-4663. For more Information, contact Holly DeIaco Smith at hjdeiaco@gmail.com.