Alaskan families face increasing challenges as they search for affordable, accessible childcare options. In response, Camp Fire Alaska is starting the school year with a new staff position dedicated to helping families connect with financial support and child care opportunities.

Introducing…Gloria Barnett, Camp Fire’s new Family Navigator!

More Opportunities to Serve Families

From scholarships to Child Care Assistance to OCS funding for foster families and beyond—finding help paying for child care can be overwhelming. With support from the Family Navigator, no family will take that journey alone.

And as families begin registering for programs, whether that be afterschool programs or summer camps, the Family Navigator will be the consistent point of contact to guide them through each step.

“Gloria and I are both parents and have had to navigate these processes in our own lives,” says Crystal Stricklin, Family Services Manager. “We understand the hoops that so many families have to jump through just to sometimes access basic needs for ourselves and our families, and we want to make those processes easier for others.”

Creating Stronger Partnerships

The Family Navigator will also be working closely with Camp Fire Alaska’s partners, making connections with school personnel, preschool staff, and others working with Alaska’s youth and families. Gloria will design a streamlined referral process to help families enter Camp Fire programs and connect Camp Fire families with additional resources.

And speaking of partnerships, this role would not be possible without the support of Rasmuson Foundation. They are committed to addressing local child care challenges with their Tending the Future Fund. Thank you, Rasmuson Foundation, for supporting Alaska’s youth and families!

Getting to Know Gloria

If you’ve had kids at Camp Fireweed, you may know Gloria better as “Glo-Worm.” She joined Camp Fire in 2021 as a Program Staff, before becoming a Program Coordinator, and then applied to the Family Navigator role.

When asked why she was interested in the role, she says, “I’m always in it for the kids. Being able to offer more families access to afterschool care means more kids will be in a safe, structured environment while their caregivers finish up their days at work.”

As for what she says she can help families with, the answer is, well, pretty much anything.

“Registration can be a headache. I can help! Scholarships are available. I can help! Questions about how we can support your youth who might have more needs? I can answer most of those! Curious about other opportunities with Camp Fire? I can help! Child Care Assistance application just frustrating you? I can help!”

Families and community partners can get in touch with Gloria by email at gbarnett@campfireak.org or by phone at (907) 257-8837.