Keep Connected is a research-based program from Search Institute that gives parents and youth an opportunity to learn about keys to positive family relationships during the transition to adolescence. Parents and youth come together to learn new ways to stay connected, even as kids grow up and become more independent.
Middle school years are a time of big change for all kids and their families. New opportunities. New relationships. New challenges. New worries. It’s easy for families to get disconnected as kids grow and other demands pull families apart.
Research shows that the way family relationships form and develop in families has a tremendous influence on how young people grow up. Families matter for virtually every child and youth outcome.
The Keep Connected workshops include time for:
See why teachers, principals, and students can’t stop raving about our high-quality afterschool programs.
We’ve served more than 10,000 youth with Conflict Resolution since 2010.
All are welcome, and there is something for everyone across the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Schools across the country partner with Camp Fire when they want to offer strong, research-based programs. Schools choose Camp Fire because we are laser-focused on helping their students succeed, and are reputable partners so they can better serve their families and communities.
All of our programs allow for homework mentoring and tutoring, but also teach:
Every afterschool program is structured in collaboration with schools to ensure that we are supporting their goals and complementing the education that its students are getting during the school day.
Camp Fire’s highly trained, caring staff encourage every child or teen to manage their time in a way that aligns with their passions and talents. Our staff also gather youth input to incorporate in activities so they can better engage them each day.
Our health and wellness programs use the simple theory of “energy in = energy out” to teach kids of all ages how to eat healthy and live a healthy lifestyle.
Good communication is hard to find but critical to anyone’s success. This program focuses on developing strong communication skills with peer groups and adults as well as learning healthy ways to resolve conflict.
Traditional club programs are offered by some Camp Fire councils and are what most of our alumnae from Camp Fire Girls remember fondly. Club pairs a trained, volunteer leader with a group of youth who work through a Camp Fire curriculum before or after school. Clubs typically go on field trips, undertake service projects, and do other activities to earn badges and learn life skills.
There’s almost nothing more inspiring than seeing young people who are ready to shape the world and make a difference—it’s this energy we love to harness through our teen service and leadership programs. We work to provide impactful community service opportunities and leadership programs that will help teens gain valuable experiences, develop important life skills, and become engaged citizens now.
This program is youth-led and youth-driven! While guided by trained adults who act as mentors, the teens identify community needs, decide what issues they want to advocate for, and then take action on those issues to make an impact in their community. Everyone benefits and it’s a beautiful thing. Past Teens in Action groups have built new parks, rehabbed old parks, met with politicians, gotten involved in local elections, tutored, brought new resources to schools in need, and more. As teens see the results of their work, they become more motivated and thrive. This is why we do what we do.
We believe in the power of nature to awaken the senses and the desire to learn. Our camp and outdoor programs allow kids and teens to unplug from technology for a full week (or more!) and explore, grow, challenge themselves, make new friends, get out of their comfort zone, gain confidence, and make powerful memories that will have an impact on their lives.
Whether it’s overnight/resident camp, day camp, or environmental education, we teach critical life skills and offer activities like swimming, archery, hiking, canoeing, ropes courses, crafts, sports, theater, etc.
We encourage campers to make their own decisions, have fun, and seek adventure—with our highly trained, caring staff by their side every step of the way.
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.
