Inclusive Since 1910
Camp Fire Statement of Inclusion
One of the things that makes Camp Fire stand out among other organizations for youth is its long history of inclusion and diversity leadership. Camp Fire was founded to give kids who were being marginalized—girls—opportunities no one else was offering them. Throughout its 108+ year history, Camp Fire has continued to build on that tradition of breaking down barriers for all kids.
Cookout By Campfire – Late 1910’s
In 1910, Camp Fire was founded. It was the first multicultural, multiracial, non-sectarian organization for girls, and it gave girls the same outdoor experiences boys already had access to. In 1975, Camp Fire became a co-ed organization, opening up its life-changing programs to boys as well as girls. And in 1993, Camp Fire added sexual orientation to its official inclusion policy, ensuring its camps and programs were safe, welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA kids, staff and volunteers.
Camp Fire Pautuxent
Today, Camp Fire continues to speak out boldly on inclusion and diversity issues, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because we know inclusion is really good for kids.
One aspect of inclusion and diversity Camp Fire is particularly passionate about is age discrimination. Kids face often-unconscious opposition based on the belief that adults are more important than young people. Camp Fire is not only for young people but by young people. We include young people in Camp Fire’s decision making through youth councils on the both the national and regional levels.
This month, we’ll be exploring inclusion and diversity. We are so thankful for YOU – our community who is so welcoming and embraces inclusion and diversity, even when it’s not easy or outside of a comfort zone. Thank you for making Camp Fire such a special place.
A CF group in Kent, Washington, led by Pat Kishline took inclusiveness to a deeper meaning. The leader’s son had developmental issues and participating was challenging. Her group started (I believe) a Special Saturday Club. The youth learned skills needed to work with youth who presented different challenges. Their Saturday group provided CF for the kids, while providing respite for the parents. This led to a Special Family Weekend at Camp Sealth. Recumbent bikes allow youth to zip through camp. Canoes are lashed together to add stability, which makes the currents of the Puget Sound manageable. Crafts, hikes, marine studies, movie night and more are available to the entire family every Memorial Day 3- day weekend. Parents can network and learn about different services, and find understanding by being with adults who have walked similar paths. The youth who started this as part of their WoHeLo Award are now in their late 30s. Some still participate. We all are proud of the adults they have become.
I remember helping at the Special Saturdays! My group was the same age but in a town over (Maple Valley). I recieved training to be able to be a regular babysitter for a family with twins- one of whom had cerebral palsy. It has opened up so many great opportunities for all. I went on to work in Deaf education and was able to help at Camp Sealth as a counselor with an all Deaf cabin group of boys one session and a single Deaf camper communicate and become included with her cabin group another session.
My kiddos are 4th generation CF. I love that since my days as a youth member they have added the Little Stars program. Half of our group is preschool age! I love they are included and CF welcomes groups with mixed ages– these little ones can experience, learn, play, and earn emblems right along with our Starflight and soon-to-be Adventure level members!