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Addressing Cultural Appropriation and Repairing Harm
Op-Ed

Stanford Social Innovation Review: Addressing Cultural Appropriation and Repairing Harm

A model for lasting change through authentic, transformational partnership. Why would a 100+-year-old youth organization finally decide to address and end its long history of cultural appropriation? Because young people asked them to.
Encouraging and lifting up young people for Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®
Broadcast

CBS News Chicago: Encouraging and lifting up young people for Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day is coming up March 19, hosted by Camp Fire, a national nonprofit focused on empowering and mentoring kids. Shawna Rosenzweig, the chief executive officer of Camp Fire, joins Dana Kozlov to talk about the day and how people can participate.
‘Camp Fire’ helping children grow through fundraising with Puyallup Chocolates
Broadcast

FOX 13: ‘Camp Fire’ helping children grow through fundraising with Puyallup Chocolates

Camp Fire CEO Shawna Rosenzweig joins FOX 13 to speak on the youth development organization, the programs and life lessons it offers, and how its partnership with Puyallup Chocolates has opened fundraising opportunities.
Camp Fire is a Shorty Award Finalist: Social Movement Campaign
Award

Shorty Awards: Camp Fire is a Shorty Award Finalist: Social Movement Campaign

Connecting Kids to Opportunity: Camp Fire and AT&T Put 2,500+ Laptops to Youth Nationwide
In Her Own Words: Camp Fire’s Shawna Rosenzweig celebrates kids
Media

The Business Journals - BizWomen: In Her Own Words: Camp Fire’s Shawna Rosenzweig celebrates kids

Leadership means bringing your whole self with you, not hiding your private life in a public arena. That’s the lesson Shawna Rosenzweig learned the hard way.
Helped, Heard or Hugged? New Study Shows Best Ways for Camps to Respond to Rising Youth Anxiety
Press Release

PR Newswire: Helped, Heard or Hugged? New Study Shows Best Ways for Camps to Respond to Rising Youth Anxiety

Released ahead of World Mental Health Day, a new report from national youth development organization Camp Fire highlights how intentional support, staff well-being, and time outdoors can help young people thrive.
Camp Fire Walla Walla’s S’mores & Pours benefit set for Oct. 9
Affiliate News

Union Bulletin: Camp Fire Walla Walla’s S’mores & Pours benefit set for Oct. 9

Camp Fire Walla Walla is hosting its annual family-friendly S'mores & Pours event from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, at Five Dollar Ranch Brewing Co., 3557 Peppers Bridge Road. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support Camp Fire Walla Walla's after-school programs and help cover day-to-day program expenses, including educational materials, activity supplies, staffing and scholarships for local families.
As schools curb classroom cellphones, educators urge focus on kids’ well-being
Broadcast

ARC Seattle: As schools curb classroom cellphones, educators urge focus on kids’ well-being

Shawna Rosenzweig, CEO of Camp Fire, joined the conversation to discuss how parents can help their children get ready for the new school year as more schools adopt cell phone restrictions.
Camp For All: The importance of youth voices in ending cultural appropriation
Podcast

PRB Plus Magazine: Camp For All: The importance of youth voices in ending cultural appropriation

Camp for All explores how summer camps can confront cultural appropriation embedded in longstanding traditions while creating more inclusive experiences for today’s youth. Written by HK Gilbert, the essay highlights Camp Fire’s ongoing work with camp professionals, Native partners, and young people to reexamine traditions, embrace meaningful change, and center youth voices in shaping the future of camp.
Supporting queer youth during Pride Month and all year long: Nine proven actions you can take
Op-Ed

Youth Today: Supporting queer youth during Pride Month and all year long: Nine proven actions you can take

The landscape for LGBTQ+ people is significantly better now than it was when the Stonewall riots sparked the modern movement for LGBTQ+ equality. That said, there are serious threats to the community, especially for queer youth. While more than 90% of LGBTQ+ teens report feeling proud of being part of the LGBTQ+ community, the majority feel increased anxiety and fear about the future amid the legislative attacks and increasingly hostile rhetoric aimed at trans youth.
How to bring the benefits of camp experiences to more kids with Shawna Rosenzweig
Podcast

Talking About Kids: How to bring the benefits of camp experiences to more kids with Shawna Rosenzweig

It is Shawna Rosenzweig’s vision to bring the benefits of structured outdoor experiences to all kids. If she is seeing farther than some, it is because she stands on the shoulders of the benevolent 100-year-old giant that is Camp Fire. They discuss how outdoor experiences boost self-efficacy and equality, Camp Fire’s pioneering legacy, the hallmarks of great outdoor programs, and how to bring those programs, or elements of them, to the kids in your life. More information about Shawna and Camp Fire is below.
A New Chapter for the Youth Development Profession
Press Release

National Afterschool Association: A New Chapter for the Youth Development Profession

Legacy national youth development organization Camp Fire joins four other organizations in piloting the National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential, launched by the National AfterSchool Association
Supporting the Next Generation with Shawna Rosenzweig
Podcast

The Things We Know: Supporting the Next Generation with Shawna Rosenzweig

In this conversation, Kari and Lisa sit down with Shawna Rosenzweig, CEO of Camp Fire, to explore what young people are facing today and what adults can do to support them with clarity and compassion. Shawna shares her path into youth development and community engagement, what it looks like to lead a one hundred and fifteen year old national organization, and how she balances identity, parenting, and purpose in a rapidly changing world. Together they talk about belonging, safety, outdoor experiences, and the small but powerful ways parents, teachers, caregivers, and communities can help young people thrive. It is honest, grounding, and full of the kind of insight that makes you exhale and rethink what’s possible for the next generation.
ACA Announces Five New Members to National Board of Directors
Press Release

American Camp Association: ACA Announces Five New Members to National Board of Directors

The American Camp Association (ACA), the nation’s leading voice for the camp community, has announced that Shawna Rosenzweig, CEO of Camp Fire National Headquarters, has been elected a member of the association’s National Board of Directors.
Camp Fire Columbia using chocolate to send kids to camp
Affiliate News

KOIN 6: Camp Fire Columbia using chocolate to send kids to camp

Camp Fire Columbia is launching a new chocolate fundraiser in partnership with Puyallup Chocolates, with every purchase supporting the nonprofit’s Camper and Family Support Fund. The fund helps cover registration fees, gear and camp store costs so more children can experience archery, swimming, hiking and classic campfire songs at Camp Namanu along the Sandy River. Camp Fire Columbia has served youth in the region for more than 100 years.
Camp Fire and AT&T to give away free laptops to kids across America | ChicagoNOW
Broadcast

FOX 32: Camp Fire and AT&T to give away free laptops to kids across America | ChicagoNOW

Camp Fire CEO previews Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®, including a nationwide giveaway of more than 2,500 laptops to children and teens.
Giving Spotlight: Camp Fire is empowering local youth with confidence, leadership, and life skills, hosting a fundraiser featuring Native-owned Puyallup Chocolates
Broadcast

KTLA 5 Morning News: Giving Spotlight: Camp Fire is empowering local youth with confidence, leadership, and life skills, hosting a fundraiser featuring Native-owned Puyallup Chocolates

Giving Spotlight: Camp Fire is empowering local youth with confidence, leadership, and life skills, hosting a fundraiser featuring Native-owned Puyallup Chocolates
Camp Fire and AT&T to Give Away 2,500+ Laptops Nationwide as Part of Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® 2026
Media

Youthwire: Camp Fire and AT&T to Give Away 2,500+ Laptops Nationwide as Part of Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® 2026

Thousands of young people across the country will receive new laptops this Spring as national youth development nonprofit Camp Fire and multinational connectivity provider AT&T come together to celebrate Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® (#KidDay) on Thursday, March 19, 2026. As part of the nationwide campaign, AT&T is providing more than 2,500 laptops to help bridge the digital divide and equip kids and teens with the tools they need to learn, create, and stay connected.
Empowering Youth Through Technology: Camp Fire & AT&T’s Laptop Drive
Media

Investors Hangout: Empowering Youth Through Technology: Camp Fire & AT&T’s Laptop Drive

This Spring, young individuals across the nation will receive an incredible gift as Camp Fire collaborates with AT&T to celebrate Absolutely Incredible Kid Day. This initiative aims to provide over 2,500 laptops to children and teens, helping them stay connected and equipped for success in a rapidly digital world.
Camp Fire Receives $75,000 American Camp Association Character at Camp Grant Award
Press Release

Camp Fire: Camp Fire Receives $75,000 American Camp Association Character at Camp Grant Award

Camp Fire National Headquarters has been awarded a Network Planning Grant for $75,000 through the American Camp Association’s Character at Camp Grant Program, a competitive national initiative supported by Lilly Endowment Inc. The program is designed to strengthen character development in camp settings and highlight camps as impactful environments for youth growth.
Camp Fire National Headquarters Welcomes Four New Members to its Board of Trustees
Press Release

Camp Fire: Camp Fire National Headquarters Welcomes Four New Members to its Board of Trustees

Camp Fire, an innovative national youth development organization founded in 1910, welcomes four new leaders to its National Board of Trustees. Romena Akhter, Marc Berejka, Kecia Kubota, and Teresa W. Tucker, PhD, bring decades of diverse expertise across public policy, risk management, technology, and organizational development.
Youth-Supporting Chocolate Partnerships
Media

Trend Hunter: Youth-Supporting Chocolate Partnerships

The national youth organization Camp Fire has established a collaborative fundraising initiative with Puyallup Chocolates, a brand owned by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. As part of this agreement, Camp Fire youth will sell four of Puyallup Chocolates' signature products — Milk Chocolate Covered Grahams, Dark Chocolate Mint Stacks, Salted Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds, and Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries — "to help them learn important life skills and raise money to attend Camp Fire programs." The partnership between Camp Fire and Puyallup Chocolates is presented as an alignment of shared principles, as both organizations emphasize youth empowerment and sustainable sourcing. For Camp Fire, this relationship also represents a strategic step in its ongoing effort to move beyond historical cultural appropriation and instead build authentic connections with Indigenous communities.
National Youth Development Organization Camp Fire Partners with Puyallup Chocolates in Sweet New Alliance to Support Young People
Press Release

PR Newswire: National Youth Development Organization Camp Fire Partners with Puyallup Chocolates in Sweet New Alliance to Support Young People

hrough an exclusive partnership with the Native-owned Puyallup Chocolates, Camp Fire youth will sell one of the world's newest premium chocolate brands to help them learn important life skills and raise money to attend Camp Fire programs. This youth-led fundraiser will go live at select Camp Fire affiliates in January and February 2026, and supporters of the innovative youth development organization will also be able to buy the chocolate online.
Let’s Talk Youth EMPOWERMENT with Shawna Rosenzweig CEO of Camp Fire
Podcast

M.A.Y.A. Podcast: Let’s Talk Youth EMPOWERMENT with Shawna Rosenzweig CEO of Camp Fire

Shawna Rosenzweig, is a national leader in youth development. Shawna has dedicated her career to empowering youth through partnering with out of school time organizations to support young people in having access to equitably. Shawna's passion and purpose to help youth has brought diverse communities together, and is known for creating environments where everyone feels truly seen, heard and celebrated. As CEO of Camp Fire (@CampFireNHQ), an organization that connects young people to the outdoors, to others, and to themselves; over 700,000 youth and families since 2017, launching more than 5,000 program sites in 24 states!
Lilly Endowment Inc. Awards Camp Fire National Headquarters $10 million to Expand Youth Character Development
Press Release

PR Newswire: Lilly Endowment Inc. Awards Camp Fire National Headquarters $10 million to Expand Youth Character Development

Innovative youth development organization Camp Fire National Headquarters has secured a five-year $10 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to amplify its 115-year legacy of character development, strengthening leadership and programming across 44 affiliates that serve youth in 24 states.
Schools nationwide considering cellphone bans — here’s why | ChicagoNOW
Broadcast

FOX 32 Chicago: Schools nationwide considering cellphone bans — here’s why | ChicagoNOW

Across the country, schools are rethinking cellphones in the classroom. New York already has bans in place, and the Los Angeles school districts, the nation's second-largest school district, implemented one just four months ago. According to a recent study by Pew, 72% of high school teachers say that students being distracted by their cellphones in the classroom is a major problem.
Camp Fire and AT&T Expand Collaboration to Bridge the Digital Divide and Support Youth with Life and Tech Skills
Press Release

PR Newswire: Camp Fire and AT&T Expand Collaboration to Bridge the Digital Divide and Support Youth with Life and Tech Skills

Camp Fire, an innovative national youth development organization, and AT&T announced an expanded collaboration from a $750,000 contribution that will continue bridging the digital divide and empowering young people with essential Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills and digital literacy. This milestone collaboration comes as both organizations celebrate significant anniversaries in 2026—AT&T's 150th anniversary and Camp Fire's 116th anniversary.
Episode #244: Camp, Confidence, and Connection: Empowering the Next Generation
Podcast

Illumine: Episode #244: Camp, Confidence, and Connection: Empowering the Next Generation

Shawna Rosenzweig of Camp Fire, joins the show to talk about how they’re transforming the lives of young people across the country. With a deep background in youth development and public service, Shawna shares how Camp Fire is evolving beyond traditional summer camps to meet kids where they are—offering year-round and inclusive experiences that help youth thrive. From building social-emotional skills to creating a culture of belonging, Camp Fire empowers the next generation to be confident, connected, and community-minded. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or youth advocate, this episode will inspire you to think differently about what it means to help young people succeed.
Camp Fire National Headquarters Welcomes Four New Board Members to Strengthen Leadership and Expand Impact
Press Release

Camp Fire: Camp Fire National Headquarters Welcomes Four New Board Members to Strengthen Leadership and Expand Impact

Leaders from across the U.S. bring the legacy organization diverse expertise in youth development, Indigenous education, STEM, tech, and camp operations
How Camp Fire Provides Summer Balance for Children
Broadcast

WUSA 9: How Camp Fire Provides Summer Balance for Children

Camp Fire discusses how to find the balance between the summer "kid rotting" trend and its opposite extreme—the over-scheduled, hyper-specialized summer programs.
Alliance for Camp Health and Camp Fire Expand Strategic Partnership to Advance Well-Being for Young People Across the U.S.
Press Release

Camp Fire: Alliance for Camp Health and Camp Fire Expand Strategic Partnership to Advance Well-Being for Young People Across the U.S.

he Alliance for Camp Health (ACH) and Camp Fire National Headquarters are proud to announce an expanded strategic partnership to improve youth health and well-being through evidence-based programming in summer camps and out-of-school time (OST) environments.
411 Teen: Summer Camp Selection
Podcast

WFSU Public Media: 411 Teen: Summer Camp Selection

On this episode of 411 Teen, Shawna Rosenzweig, CEO of Camp Fire & expert on youth development and outdoor education, talks about what to look for in choosing the best summer camp experience for your child.
Valuing Personhood Over Productivity
Podcast

Beautifully Complex Podcast: Valuing Personhood Over Productivity

What if your child’s “daydreaming” on the sidelines was actually self-regulation in action? In this episode of Beautifully Complex, Penny Williams speaks to Shawna Rosenzweig, CEO of Camp Fire, for a real-talk conversation about rethinking success and valuing our kids for who they are, not what they do. They unpack how cultural obsession with productivity often misses the mark — especially for neurodivergent kids. From challenging perfectionism to navigating sensory overwhelm and learning to follow our kids’ lead, this episode is a must-listen for any parent ready to shift from performance to personhood. Whether your kid is struggling with school, friendships, or emotional regulation, this episode offers insight, hope, and practical tools.
5 ways to celebrate Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®
Broadcast

FOX 8: 5 ways to celebrate Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®

Did you tell your child how amazing they are before you sent them to school? Or how creative they are? Or how proud you are to be their parent? A lot of us probably didn’t, but we need to! Today (March 20) is Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®. It’s devoted to telling our children how wonderful they are and how much we appreciate them. The day started back in 1997 with an organization called Camp Fire, which helps young people connect and thrive.
CAMPER 3.0: Deepening Our Commitment to Camp Accessibility for Historically Excluded Groups of Young People
Press Release

Camp Fire: CAMPER 3.0: Deepening Our Commitment to Camp Accessibility for Historically Excluded Groups of Young People

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.
Shawna Rosenzweig Named New Chief Executive Officer of Camp Fire
Press Release

Camp Fire: Shawna Rosenzweig Named New Chief Executive Officer of Camp Fire

Rosenzweig’s transformational leadership to guide the organization’s next era of impact and innovation
What Kids Do After School Could Determine Their Future
Podcast

Bounce Back Generation: What Kids Do After School Could Determine Their Future

COVID-19, social media, and the uncertain political, economic, and climate change future are affecting young people at an alarming rate. After School Time expert and CEO of Camp Fire, Shawna Rosenzweig, talks with Jennifer about how having somewhere to go after school can make a huge difference in how kids see themselves, relate to others, and gain the skills needed for life.
Camp Fire C.O., Alliance for Camp Health launch innovative mental, emotional and social health (MESH+) services to youth, staff
Affiliate News

KTVZ21: Camp Fire C.O., Alliance for Camp Health launch innovative mental, emotional and social health (MESH+) services to youth, staff

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) - Inclusive national youth development organization Camp Fire has partnered with Alliance for Camp Health (ACH) to enhance youth experiences through the launch of the MESH (+) innovative suite of mental health services and supports: CampWell and the MyView Digital Empathy™ Screening Tool. Headquartered in Bend, Camp Fire Central Oregon is one key partner in this exciting launch.
Alliance for Camp Health and Camp Fire Launch Innovative Mental, Emotional and Social Health MESH (+) Services to Youth, Staff
Press Release

Camp Fire: Alliance for Camp Health and Camp Fire Launch Innovative Mental, Emotional and Social Health MESH (+) Services to Youth, Staff

First-of-Its-Kind Tools, Training to Be Piloted at Select Camp Fire Camps in 2024 to Show the Future Path to Improving Care, Youth Experiences, Impact
Encouraging the next generation to become engaged future voters
Broadcast

K5: Encouraging the next generation to become engaged future voters

Shawna Rosenzweig, president of Camp Fire, talks about how to prepare our youth to be civically engaged.
Shawna Rosenzweig Shares Tips on Youth Engagement in Democratic Process
Broadcast

WISH TV: Shawna Rosenzweig Shares Tips on Youth Engagement in Democratic Process

Shawna Rosenzweig, president of Camp Fire, recently stopped by “All Indiana” to chat about how young people can get more involved in their communities and the democratic process.
How kids under voting age can make an impact this election
Broadcast

Fox 32 Chicago: How kids under voting age can make an impact this election

Shawna Rosenzweig, president of Camp Fire, talks about the importance of getting children engaged in politics ahead of a pivotal election.
After 70 Years Camp Fire’s Famous Mints Take a Bow: The Final Season of Camp Fire Candy Sales to Celebrate a Valued Partnership, Legacy with Brown & Haley
Press Release

Camp Fire: After 70 Years Camp Fire’s Famous Mints Take a Bow: The Final Season of Camp Fire Candy Sales to Celebrate a Valued Partnership, Legacy with Brown & Haley

or Camp Fire candy lovers and alumni, this news will be hard to hear. It’s with a heavy heart that we share this will be the last season of candy sales (Aug. 2024 – Feb. 2025) with Brown & Haley: don’t miss your last chance to order our famous Camp Fire Mints.
Camp Fire CEO, Shawna Rosenzweig, named as one of Worth’s Worthy 100
Media

Worth: Camp Fire CEO, Shawna Rosenzweig, named as one of Worth’s Worthy 100

Worth set out to identify 100 individuals making the most significant impact on the world. Our CEO, Shawna Rosenzweig, was named as part of the 100.
Camp Fire Expands National Youth STEM Programming with Support from AT&T and 3M
Press Release

Camp Fire: Camp Fire Expands National Youth STEM Programming with Support from AT&T and 3M

Contributions will make it possible for Camp Fire to collaborate with Imagine Science to bring equitable science, technology, engineering, and math opportunities to more underserved young people nationwide.
Teva Partners with Youth Development Organization Camp Fire to Celebrate International Youth Day 2023
Press Release

Camp Fire: Teva Partners with Youth Development Organization Camp Fire to Celebrate International Youth Day 2023

The Footwear Brand Will Donate $25,000 to Help Connect Future Generations to Communities and Nature Through Camp Fire Programs in the U.S.
Jack Dorsey’s #startsmall Invests $1 Million into Inclusive Youth Development Organization Camp Fire
Press Release

Camp Fire: Jack Dorsey’s #startsmall Invests $1 Million into Inclusive Youth Development Organization Camp Fire

ack Dorsey, Block Head, Chairman, and co-founder of Block, Inc., donates $1 million of unrestricted funding through his philanthropic initiative #startsmall to support inclusive national youth development nonprofit Camp Fire and its long-standing mission: connecting young people to the outdoors, to others, and to themselves.

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