A Message from our Senior Advisor of Native Partnerships, Diana Cournoyer  Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 12) is an opportunity to celebrate the strength, cultures, knowledge, and enduring presence of Native and Indigenous peoples. At Camp Fire, it is also a time to reflect on our responsibility to continue learning, repair

Young people today are growing up in a world that is more connected than ever, yet many still report feeling isolated. They move between digital spaces, school environments, extracurricular activities, and home life—but not all of those spaces feel like places where they truly belong.  This tension raises an important question for

Every young person needs to feel welcome, emotionally affirmed, and physically comfortable at camp. That’s why we launched the CAMPER (Camp Accessibility, Meaningful Participation, and Equal Representation) initiative in 2019 through Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies to ensure that all youth participating in Camp Fire’s overnight camp programs experience just that.  Today, that mission continues to evolve through CAMPER 3.0—a three-year grant to expand this project and deepen Camp Fire’s work to create more access to camp for young people who have been historically excluded from

How can we bring young people into a sense of belonging that’s rooted not in pressure or performance—but in joy and celebration?  We believe joy is more than a fleeting feeling. It’s a signal that you are safe. That you are seen. That you belong. And that’s where thriving starts. 

Kansas City, MO – January 1, 2025 – Six years after launching CAMPER: Camp Accessibility, Meaningful Participation, and Equal Representation, Camp Fire will further our work to create more access to camp for young people who have been historically excluded from outdoor spaces through a third three-year grant.  CAMPER 3.0 represents

Acknowledgment of past mistakes is one thing. Taking active, intentional steps to repair and make amends for past and current harm is a whole other story. Since 2019, Camp Fire has been on a journey to address and end cultural appropriation within our organization. As 2024 comes to a close,

With High-Quality Afterschool Programming  School’s back in session, which means a return to the hustle, bustle—and stress—of juggling everyone’s schedules.  Elementary school is out at 2:55.  Middle school’s final bell rings at 3:20.  Parent/Caregiver A’s workday ends at 5:00.  Parent/Caregiver B’s (if there is a Parent/Caregiver B in the home)

Series: Rethinking Out-of-School Time Work for a New Generation This article highlights the perspectives of young professionals in the OST field, with a focus on purpose and passion. Those who participated include: Cassandra Arechiga (she/they), Organizational Culture & Wellness Manager at Woodcraft Rangers; Toni Gray-Hazlewood (she/her), Director of Human Resources

Camp Fire Collaborates with AT&T on Free Online Learning  School is back, baby! You’d think an organization with Camp in its name would get moody come September, but we love the smell of fresh school supplies almost as much as just-toasted S’mores.   Camp Fire affiliates all over the country promote