Richard Roberts,
A Hero In Our Midst

Many companies offer employees the opportunity to volunteer on company time, but Richard Roberts' enthusiasm for this opportunity ended up benefiting tens of thousands of children in the Baton Rouge area.

Roberts, 50, a CPA for Postlethwaite & Netterville, has been volunteering with Camp Fire USA's Big River Council for over 15 years on a weekly, sometimes daily basis, making a huge impact on the 18,000-20,000 children whom the Big River Council serves annually.

"I do everything I can for that camp. I've been on the board, and I will always be there for them. They give kids a good opportunity," said Roberts. "Kids get more life experiences out of a week at summer camp than they probably do a year at school."

Roberts strongly believes that outdoor activities are basic to youth development and family strengthening. In that capacity, he helped develop a "camper-ship" program that provides the summer camp experience to all youth, regardless of diversity or challenge. At his suggestion, the Big River Council implemented a family camping weekend program at Camp Ruth Lee, where the Roberts' served as host family for the first annual family camping weekend over 5 years ago.

"Richard's contributions almost track the Camp Fire core values in that they are youth centered. They have helped to provide a means to include less fortunate or challenged youth to participate," said Mike Grace, President, Board of Directors, Camp Fire USA Big River Council.

Roberts' varied contributions range from behind-the-scenes maintenance of camp facilities, leadership of hiking and fishing trips, and volunteering his accounting skills to Camp Fire's board. Over the years, Roberts has served in every officer position for Big River Council, but his service has primarily been as Treasurer for the Camp Fire Board and Chairman of the Finance Committee. In addition to his significant financial guidance, Richard has consistently been involved in activities of the Camp Committee.

"Even though Richard has significant personal and professional obligations, he has made the time to volunteer for the Council for over 15 years," said Grace. "Richard's varied contributions, especially with regard to fiscal matters, have been critical to this Council as well as to the tens of thousands of children we serve on a regular basis."

"I don't really consider myself a hero, but I will always be here for the Council," said Roberts of his service. "I'm just glad that I can be available to do these projects and that I work for a company that gives me as much time as they do."