History
our legacy
110+ years strong
Camp Fire has been an innovative leader in youth development for over 110 years.
We have a rich legacy! You might remember us as Camp Fire Girls or Camp Fire USA, which were key parts of our organizational journey. What’s kept us thriving? Our commitment to diversity and inclusion from the very beginning; incorporating youth voice into all we do; our intentional effort to reflect, evolve, and use cutting-edge research to best meet the needs of today’s families; and remarkable people like you!
Founded in 1910
We got our start as Camp Fire Girls in 1910, founded by Dr. Luther Halsey Gulick and his wife, Charlotte Vetter Gulick. They believed girls deserved the outdoor learning experiences that boys had and wanted to help “guide young people on their journey to self-discovery.”
Download the Camp Fire History Timeline
For more than a century, Camp Fire alumni like you have brought the values of work, health and love to the world, no matter what challenges you’ve faced.
Today, Camp Fire welcomes all young people to its programs and continues to thrive with 47 councils in 25 states and Washington D.C., serving nearly 150,000 youth each year. Thank you for making Camp Fire what it is today—and leading us into tomorrow. We’re still creating powerful youth experiences to shape kids and teens, give them the opportunity to belong, connect with nature, develop strong relationships, and make positive social change.
you belong here
Our 47 affiliates in 24 states provides affirming, year-round, youth-driven experiences. Invest in the adventure of self-discovery.