Candy sales have long been a beloved tradition at Camp Fire (for over 70 years!), giving young people a way to raise money for camp while building important life skills. This year, that tradition got even sweeter thanks to Camp Fire’s partnership with the Native-owned Puyallup Chocolates. Puyallup Chocolates is
“Jayden came into our program two years ago with a big smile and an even bigger heart. He loves to sing, dance, and bring joy into every room he enters. His mom shared, ‘Some mornings are tough for him, but knowing he gets to go to afterschool keeps him motivated.
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
Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17, but at Camp Fire, kindness isn’t a single moment on the calendar. It’s an ingrained way of showing up for ourselves, each other, and our communities. Every single day. Across the country, our programs create opportunities for youth to practice service in meaningful, real-world ways. Through hands-on
The school bell rings. The end of the day can be time for kids to unwind, play, and relax; or, depending on the circumstance, it can be a time of uncertainty and potential risk. The age of latch-key kids seems as though it should be a thing of the past;
August 12 is International Youth Day: a time to recognize the strength, creativity, and leadership of young people around the world. We believe young people are powerful. Not someday in the future. Not when they “grow up.” Right now. Youth not only matter for who they are, but many are
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.
How do various staff members at camp support youth and contribute to their well-being and sense of belonging? Led by this question in the Summer of 2024, Informed Change conducted listening sessions and interviews with Camp Fire support staff from three participating overnight camps. These camps are part of the
