WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Camp Fire USA earned a $3,500 grant from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning to reach 335 local children with art-enrichment programs. The Foundation is the charitable arm of Pacific Power.

“We believe art is important for children because it helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” said Karen Wolf, Camp Fire USA Walla Walla Council executive director. “Providing these experiences to children in an after-school setting has become increasingly important due to a decrease in their exposure to art as a regular part of their education.”

Wolf said that art has been a part of Camp Fire for many years, but their goal is to implement a more structured, quality art enrichment program for children in all its out-of-school programs. This includes Camp Fire’s four After School Camps, Super Summer in the Park and Camp Catch-the-Wind.

“Also we are finding that a growing number of families are lacking financial stability, struggling to cover the costs of their most basic needs,” Wolf said. “For many of these families, providing their children with art classes is simply not possible.”

“It’s amazing for a town the size of Walla Walla how few quality after school programs there are,” said Bill Clemens, Pacific Power regional community manager. “With a low student-to-staff ratio, these are programs that make a difference, especially for at-risk kids.”

About the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning

The PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning was created and incorporated as a corporate foundation in 1988, and serves as the major channel of philanthropy for PacifiCorp, Pacific Power, Utah Power and Rocky Mountain Power. PacifiCorp and its employees have a long tradition of active involvement in the communities served by Pacific Power, including charitable contributions, sponsorships of community events and in-kind donations. To apply for a grant, and to review specific eligibility requirements, please go to www.pacificorpfoundation.org .

Media inquiries: newsdesk@pacificorp.com