It’s a universal human need. When we feel like we belong, we feel safe to be who we truly are—or who we truly want to become. We feel secure, seen and valued. We feel at home. At Camp Fire, we design our programs to develop a sense of belonging. It’s one of the seven essential […]
In 2019, Camp Fire held a series of focus groups with a diverse range of councils to dive into what experiences they were providing and what impact their programs were making. With the help of Algorhythm, an expert in youth development program evaluation, we explored what really happens at Camp Fire and in our programs, […]
As we celebrate Giving Tuesday (December 3!) and approach the end of the year, we want to say thank you for your ongoing support of Camp Fire. Your gifts of money, time, and insight make an immeasurable difference in young people’s lives. Can you help us raise $5,000 before the end of the year through […]
Camp Fire is founded on the belief that young people want to shape the world. Camp Fire doesn’t just sponsor programs for young people. It’s a platform for young people to create their own programs and engage with their communities, on their own terms. Positive youth development folks call this “youth voice.” It’s the practice […]
Maurine Kornfeld is a legend, and not just because the world-record-breaking swimmer was inducted into the U.S. Masters Swimming Hall of Fame at 97. Born in 1921 in Great Falls, Montana, Maurine learned to swim as a child but didn’t take up the sport seriously until she was in her 60s. A chance encounter with […]
It’s almost camp season! All over the country, Camp Fire camps are getting ready to welcome kids to a summer of fun, learning, growth, impact, and discovery. Sometimes the stereotype of summer camp is just canoes and cabin hijinx, but camp is so much more. For starters, there is a range of camp formats and […]
Adult volunteers fuel our programs and help our young people thrive. But did you know volunteering is also a great way for young people to unlock their superpowers? (Scroll down to find out about a youth volunteering opportunity going on at Camp Fire right now!) Yep, all the research says volunteering delivers big benefits to […]
It’s a hard world out there. Kids and teenagers are bombarded by negative messages from social media, pop culture and even their peers all day long. They are told in ways both overt and implied: You’re not important. You’re not unique. You’re not good enough. Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® counters those messages with an outpouring […]
This February, we’re going to be focusing on youth mental health awareness. At Camp Fire, we help kids learn the tools they need to thrive: how to identify their sparks, develop a growth mindset, manage their goals and take time to reflect. Unfortunately, many young people are learning these life lessons in the context of […]
It’s not enough to just know your spark. You have to grow it! And that’s where sparks champions come in. Spark Champions are adults who help young people develop the interests, skills, commitments or qualities that give lives purpose and meaning. Spark Campions are the key to true thriving: Research shows the big benefits of […]
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