Camp Fire Central Oregon | Light the Fire Within

Youth thrive here

The Camp Fire Experience Find a Program

Camp Fire Central Oregon has been an innovative leader in youth development since 1916.

Kids & teens learn how to succeed NOW, through:

Self-discovery

All young people find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they areSee our research-based program framework that we call “The Camp Fire Journey,” which develops essential skills and mindsets. Learn how we honor and celebrate Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Community Connection

All young people find, build, and contribute to their community; they develop meaningful relationships with supportive adults and peers; they feel seen, heard, accepted, supported, and affirmed for who they are today, and who they will be in the future.

Engagement with Nature

All young people experience the power and awe of the outdoors; they learn to respect, love, and care for our world. Camp Fire Central Oregon has staff and programming committed to getting youth outside and helping them engage with and build appreciation for the natural world around us.

“Thanks for all you do at Camp Fire!”

Thanks for all you do at Camp Fire! I feel deep appreciation for the work you do to give our kiddos great experiences connecting with nature and also through service in our community. I’m really looking forward to my kiddo participating in the leadership building camps. The leaders are great role models!

I.R., Parent

1916

The Legacy

2022

The Camp Fire logos over the years

Measuring Impact

1,588

registrations for our programs so far this year.

82

% of youth said adults in Camp Fire help them solve problems instead of telling them what to do.

83

% of youth said adults in Camp Fire encourage them to explore the things they are interested in.

94

% of youth feel happy, heard, and supported in Camp Fire.

Get the latest from Camp Fire Central Oregon!

Fun infographics, cutting-edge research, fascinating articles, compelling stories, big news, and other things we know you won’t want to miss—sign up for our quarterly email newsletter!

Sign Up for our Newsletter

It’s Almost Go Time! 10 Camp-tastic Tips for Summer Success

Top Tips for Parents and Kids to Prep for Our Awesome Camps  Summer camps are just about to kick off, and we couldn’t be more excited! Whether you’re joining us for one fantastic program or a whole bunch of camps… Read More >

Share This:

Gratitudes and G’byes to Super School-Year Programs and Friends

Afterschool kids posing on a rock in nature

Before summer camps kick off, please pause briefly and join us in paying tribute to the success of our amazing school-year programs, staff, youth participants and partners. Looking back over the past nine months, we’ve furthered our goals in Central… Read More >

Share This:

Staff Spotlight: Mary Bowker

Mary Bowker on her sailboat.

Mary Bowker, Grants Manager: Securing Funds & Scholarships From the Helm! One of our amazing behind-the-scenes team leads is Mary Bowker, who serves from the Camp Fire helm as our Grants Manager. For the past eight years, Mary has been… Read More >

Share This:

It’s Not a Program, It’s a Practice

Graphic of cartoon youth

Youth Voice at Camp Fire Central Oregon   Living out your values is never easy. One of our core Camp Fire values is, “We honor the power of young people.” To us, honoring power means sharing power through significant youth participation… Read More >

Share This:

Media Release: Summer 2024: Camp Dreams Coming True!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Summer 2024: Camp Dreams Coming True! Grant funding and community partnerships open doors to affordable STEM-focused outdoor programs and robotics adventures with Camp Fire Central Oregon. Bend, Ore. May 13, 2024 – With summer camp season just… Read More >

Share This:

Bit(e) of Robotics to Wrap Up Soon! Last Free Event: May 31

A crowd of kids and families participating at Bit(e) of Robotics at Deschutes Public Library

Over the past winter and spring months, Camp Fire Central Oregon has been holding free Bit(e) of Robotics workshops through the Deschutes Public Library—and these introductory robotics events have been a hit! Taking place at the Redmond Public Library and… Read More >

Share This:

Our Promise

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.

Light the fire within