When Camp Fire began in 1910, its values were simply “work, health, love.” As we’ve grown and expanded—and as humans continue to better understand ourselves and how we can help each other thrive—our organizational values have deepened. As part of our efforts to refocus on Camp Fire’s why (growing up is hard!), and to wholeheartedly commit to our mission (we connect young people to the outdoors, to others, and to themselves), we also refreshed our values.
Our values help guide us. They are anchor points along the way as we work toward a world where all young people thrive and have equitable opportunities for self-discovery, community connection and engagement with nature.
Here’s how we live out our mission and vision:
Camp Fire works to create safe and inclusive environments, so everyone feels welcome. This means committing to equity, diversity, and access (including breaking down structural barriers to accessing our programs), and addressing the impacts of racism, privilege, white supremacy, bias, and anything else that holds us all back from an equitable and just world.
Learn more about inclusivity:
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Camp Fire
- Inclusion Statements: Why specificity matters
- Questioning Power & Repairing Harm: Addressing Cultural Appropriation in Our History
- Camp Fire’s National Youth Advisory Cabinet Stands With Trans* Youth
Camp Fire learns from and respects our planet. Spending time in nature has proven health and mental health benefits, which is one of the many reasons why we get young people outdoors, no matter where they may be. Nature-based learning is a powerful tool for youth development, and nature can be experienced by anyone, anywhere (even bringing a leaf, or rock, or plant inside). We aren’t just consumers of nature – we conserve, protect and steward our natural resources.
Learn more about getting outdoors:
- Find a Camp
- Camp & Outdoor Education
- Exploring Innovative Nature Engagement Practices
- CAMPER 2.0: Increasing Camp Accessibility for Historically Excluded Groups of Young People
Camp Fire develops supportive cross-generational relationships. Supportive, trained adults are key to our work. We offer guidance and support during each young person’s dynamic journey to become who they want to be. Developmental relationships are the roots that give young people the chance to grow.
Learn more about prioritizing relationships:
- Developmental Relationships—are we cultivating them?
- Why equity is essential for developmental relationships
- Camp Fire and Developmental Relationships: How strong connections help kids thrive
- Developmental Relationships in Action
Camp Fire believes one of the best ways to honor the power of young people is to share power with them through meaningful participation and decision-making—in our programs and organizational direction. We respect, honor, seek, amplify, center, and prioritize youth voice; we empower youth; we entrust them with responsibility and authority; we encourage young people to find their spark and lift their voice.
Learn more about empowering young people:
- How Camp Fire Staff Build Youth-Driven Programs
- Teen Service & Leadership Programs
- Camp Fire’s National Youth Advisory Cabinet
- Camp Fire’s National Youth Advisory Cabinet Stands With Trans* Youth
Camp Fire helps young people (and adults!) know themselves. Self-discovery is an adventure. We invest heavily in training and professional development for the adults who serve our youth, because all young people deserve to be supported by skilled, capable, knowledgeable, supportive adult mentors, and because like the youth we serve, we are on a learning journey as well. Staff, board, volunteers, youth—we are all a community that is growing towards thriving, together.
Learn more about learning:
- Camp Fire National Staff Continue to Lead in Their Fields
- Growth Mindset: Your Key to Thriving
- 3 Simple Ways to Grow a Growth Mindset
Camp Fire encourages young people to advocate, organize, and work for change in their communities and beyond. This has been a core value since we were founded in 1910; As an organization and as individuals, we can make an impact now.
Learn more about taking action:
- Hate Has No Home in Camp Fire
- Celebrate Earth Day: Work for Environmental Justice
- Message from our CEO: Expressing Solidarity with Our Black Youth and Families
- Camp Fire’s National Youth Advisory Cabinet Stands With Trans* Youth
Camp Fire has continually adapted and evolved since 1910 to respond to what young people need to thrive. Each local council has the autonomy and flexibility to customize its programming to best support youth, families, and the local communities they serve; because they are the ones best positioned to listen, learn, adapt, and respond to those needs.
Learn more about responsivity:
- New Year, New Vision
- Camp Fire connects young people to the outdoors, to others, and to themselves
- How we moved Camp Fire forward in 2021: Part 1
- How we moved Camp Fire forward in 2021: Part 2
We seek out the newest research, practice every-day innovation, and meticulously measure results—all to help young people thrive in a complex world. We know Camp Fire changes individual lives, families, and communities, so we work to show that data and tell those stories.
Learn more about making an impact:
