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!
… the counselors are very supportive of everyone here. They acknowledge what you want to do. They acknowledge how you’re feeling in that day.
It’s really a very kind place
I feel like whatever background you come from, whatever your past is, it’s ok to come here because you have a community that’s a lot of different people.
Discover sparks, gain self-confidence, and learn life-changing life skills to thrive now! Thrive{ology} is our research-based program framework founded on the pillars of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and it works:
Most youth organizations talk about preparing kids for the future or future leadership positions. This is great, but we believe kids and teens are leaders now. They don’t need to wait for the future to shape the world.
We help youth be the best 7-year-old they can be, or the best 17-year-old. We guide kids and teens of all ages to boost their confidence and unlock their potential so they can thrive—where they are now.
Thrive{ology} is our research-based approach to teaching every kid or teen how to be a better friend, student, son, daughter, member of society, sister, brother…today.
Every Camp Fire program across the country uses Thrive{ology} to teach youth to identify sparks, develop a growth mindset, learn goal management, and take time to reflect.
We call our highly trained staff and volunteers Spark Champions. Their mentor-like support is key to supporting your kids, helping them thrive, and unlocking these critical life skills.
Youth need people in their lives who challenge growth, provide support, share power, and expand possibilities. By providing this support and challenge, Camp Fire’s leaders serve a foundational role in building youth’s ability to thrive.
Youth also see Camp Fire staff as their spark champions. In a 2016 survey, 83% of youth said adults in Camp Fire encourage them to explore the things they are interested in, and 82% of youth said adults in Camp Fire help them solve problems instead of telling them what to do.
We’re experts at what we do, and we care about developing thriving, successful youth!
We take pride in our long-standing commitment to inclusivity and diversity, no matter the ability, background, race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, non-religion, or any other category people use to create define themselves or others.
We were the first multiracial, multicultural, and nonsectarian organization for girls in America when we began in 1910, and today we strive to continue in that spirit, welcoming anyone and everyone to Camp Fire.
Camp Fire’s Statement of Inclusion: Camp Fire works to realize the dignity and worth of each individual and to eliminate human barriers based on all assumptions that prejudge individuals. Designed and implemented to reduce sexual, racial, religious, and cultural stereotypes and to foster positive intercultural relationships, in Camp Fire, everyone is welcome.
See our President and CEO Cathy Tisdale’s 2012 piece in The New York Times, It Pays to Be Inclusive.
Young people want to shape the world.
Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are.
In Camp Fire, it begins now.
