Spreading Love: 500 Valentines for Our Veterans

A few weeks ago Camp Fire Board Members, past leaders, longtime friends of Camp Fire, and our Starflight Wheaton Club youth and families recently came together for a truly meaningful service project—creating 500 handmade valentines for the veterans served by Jesse Brown Medical Center.

This beloved tradition is part of the Salute to Vets emblem, a service initiative that connects our youth with the importance of gratitude, respect, and community impact. For more than 60 years, our Council has proudly delivered handmade valentines to this facility, and it is an honor to continue that legacy with the next generation.

The room was filled with creativity, laughter, and teamwork as youth rotated through seven different crafting stations. Each station offered a unique way to express appreciation and brighten someone’s day. From free-form cards filled with heartfelt messages to whimsical broomsticks, cheerful mice and birds, intricate clay heart weaving, colorful butterflies, and even camera-themed creations—every valentine was made with care.

One of the most special parts of the morning was seeing generations of Camp Fire members working side by side. Board members and past leaders shared stories of years past, while current youth poured their creativity into each card. It was a beautiful reminder that service is at the heart of Camp Fire and that traditions like this connect us across time.

As these valentines make their way to the veterans at Jesse Brown Medical Center today, we hope they deliver more than just paper and glue—we hope they deliver smiles, warmth, and the reminder that they are remembered and appreciated.

We are so proud of our Starflight Wheaton Club youth for their dedication and creativity. Projects like this show that even small acts of kindness can make a big impact.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible. The Camp Fire spirit of service continues to shine brightly!