Frequently Asked Questions

What age groups does Camp Fire serve?

Camp Fire provides programs for children and teens, with an emphasis on youth between the ages of 5 and 17. Family engagement is embedded into many of these programs.

How many youth benefit from Camp Fire?

Every year Camp Fire directly engages more than 150,000 young people in youth-directed programs. Camp Fire links children with caring, trained adults in a small group atmosphere, while also linking families with each other in their own communities. This allows us to actually serve more than one million youth and their family members annually with more than 30 million program hours.

How can my child and our family get involved with Camp Fire?

Please visit our Council Directory to find a Camp Fire near you and learn more about programs in your area.

Is there a cost to participate?

Councils offer a wide variety of programs. Yes, most do require a fee. However, some programs are offered at low to no cost. Please visit our council locator to find a council near you and visit their website to learn more about participation options in your community.

Are there service awards teens can pursue, similar to those of other organizations?

Yes. Camp Fire’s highest service award is our Wohelo award. This award is earned by youth who complete 1-3 years of work during middle and/or high school. The work required is meaningful and is focused on service and advocacy in the local community.

How many local councils do you have?

There are 56 Camp Fire councils delivering programs at 1,300 sites in 26 states and the District of Columbia.

Was your organization once called Camp Fire Girls?

Yes, Camp Fire was founded in 1910 as an organization for girls and young women. It was the first nonsectarian organization for girls in the U.S. But as society’s values changed, Camp Fire realized there were many benefits to making the organization even more inclusive. The organization became officially coeducational in 1975.

Today, Camp Fire brings boys and girls together through one organization, where they learn to work together, have fun and appreciate their similarities and differences in positive ways. They understand that people from either gender can be their teachers, coworkers, supervisors, confidantes, coaches, and friends. For families, Camp Fire’s coed programs allow parents to consolidate schedules for both their daughters and their sons. Our current membership is almost equally divided between boys and girls.

Today’s young people and their families often choose Camp Fire specifically because of our legacy and continued practice of diversity and inclusion.

What is Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®?

It’s an annual call to action for adults to tag, tweet, email, post, and write letters of love and support to kids, created by Camp Fire, a national youth development organization.

When is Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®?

March 15 — celebrated annually in March to coincide (roughly) with Camp Fire’s birthday.

Why is Camp Fire sponsoring Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®??

Adults sometimes forget to stop and tell the kids and teens in our lives how important they are. Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® is a reminder to do just that. Camp Fire is an expert in adult-to-youth relationships, and Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® strengthens the important bond between kids and adults.

What’s so special about a letter? Does writing a letter really make a difference?

For Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®, a letter is personal, tangible and something a person can hold onto for years to come. Through written words, people can express emotions they may hold back in conversation. And during the often-challenging times of adolescence, children may be more open to reading a letter than having a talk that may “embarrass” them.

The most important thing is communicating the message, not necessarily the format of the message. And while we think a letter serves as a nice lasting reminder, feel free to tweet, post, share, or hashtag it with #AIKD. Because kids and teens need positive reinforcement in their lives. The right words of encouragement can come at just the time when our kids need them most helping them make better decisions, build self-esteem, and even be more compassionate and successful.

What is your goal for Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®?

We want every kid and teen to receive an encouraging note, email, letter, post, tweet, or text.

How can I find out more about Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®?

If you want to join Camp Fire in celebrating youth, or for media inquiries, contact Camp Fire National Headquarters by e-mailing erin.risner@campfire.org

How can I participate in Camp Fire?

If you want to participate in Camp Fire, see the five ways you can Get Involved.