Linda Flynn,
A Hero In Our Midst

For Linda Flynn, what began as a way of introducing her niece to one of her own favorite childhood activities, became a forty-year passion. A Camp Fire girl herself, Flynn, 58, started a Camp Fire group for her niece and has been leading groups every year since.

“It’s about the satisfaction of helping other people. I think you pay it forward to get it back,” said Flynn of her service not only as a longtime group leader but also as asset chair and coordinator for Camp Wyandot. Camp Fire USA Central Ohio Council cites her as one of their most dedicated volunteers. From maintenance and repair projects to collecting donations and cleaning up camps, Flynn has always been willing to help in every possible way.

Flynn, who works part time in retail and looks after her granddaughter on weekdays, has led three successive Camp Fire Club groups. She began each time with a group of eight-year-olds and continued to mentor them every week until they graduated from high school. “She has a wonderful connection to kids,” said Amy Boyd, CEO of Camp Fire USA Central Ohio Council. “She is always welcoming, encoring them to volunteer their time.”

Those connections, says Flynn, are the most rewarding part of her time with Camp Fire. She recalls working with one mentee who later wrote her postcards while serving a tour in Iraq. “Our group got his address and all wrote letters. We got postcards back that said one of his best times was the things we did together in Camp Fire,” said Flynn. “Another girl, she’s from a large family, I’ve had her since 3rd grade. She’s out of college and is trying to go to the Peace Corps.”

An avid outdoorswoman herself, Flynn also volunteers with several of Camp Fire’s wilderness activities, especially Camp Wyandot. Through her years of work at the camp, she has helped instill the confidence and groundedness in countless campers. “She is willing and able to help in any way possible and is very dedicated to the council and the children we serve,” said Boyd. “It is definitely a labor of love.”

To honor Flynn’s commitment to young people in the Columbus area, please send cards to:

Linda Flynn
c/o Camp Fire USA Central Ohio Council
1890 Northwest Boulevard Suite 240
Columbus, Ohio 43212