Today’s young people are growing up in a world unlike any before. They’re facing mounting mental health challenges. A turbulent economy. Constant political and social shifts. The lingering effects of the pandemic. Discrepancies in education. Screen addiction. The pressures of AI-driven uncertainty about their futures. And yet, they’re expected to perform, adapt, and succeed in systems that often feel unstable or out of reach.

That’s why Camp Fire Central Oregon is more important than ever. We create the safe, supportive spaces where youth can take a breath, disconnect from the noise, reconnect with nature, build genuine relationships, and rediscover themselves. In a world that asks so much of them, Camp Fire gives them what they need most: belonging, purpose, and the chance to find their sparks and truly thrive.

Of course, our camps and programs give kiddos a chance to truly feel their sparks come alive. For a kindergartner, that spark might ignite the moment they spot a caterpillar’s giant, blinking eyes through a magnifying lens—gasping as the tiny world beneath them suddenly expands. For a third grader, it might be the thrill of kneading together the perfect batch of slime or watching a flat sheet of paper transform into a fluttering origami crane in their hands. For a sixth grader in our babysitter training class, their spark might flare while dreaming up screen-free games that will make younger kids light up with laughter. And for a teen in our service and leadership program, that spark might roar to life while bottle-feeding an injured animal at a wildlife rescue center or guiding younger campers as a Counselor in Training.

No doubt about it: Camp Fire is full of spark-filled moments. But only your support can keep those sparks glowing.

Case in point: Last year, Camp Fire kept its offering accessible and affordable, offering over $100K in scholarship dollars to youth in our back yard. And the need was and remains very real. In fact, for many working families, our programs and camps aren’t just lifelines to life skills but essential services that, due to cutbacks in federal funding, are now at risk. Today, we’re asking you to help us in our efforts to continue providing these essential services.

Every dollar you give helps remove financial barriers, ensuring that all youth—regardless of their background—can participate in transformative programs that inspire confidence, leadership, and lifelong skills:

$25 provides STEM and creative materials .
$50 supports leadership training for young mentors.
$100 funds outdoor adventure experiences that build confidence.
$250+ provides scholarships, ensuring all youth can participate.

For the over 1,000 youth who experience our programs and camps annually, just imagine what it would be like if we had to deny them a spot due to lack of funds. Our doors have been open and operating since 1916. And our mission—to connect kids to the outdoors, each other, and themselves—isn’t just some random dream. As we focus on the long-term needs of our community, it is critical work that helps break the cycle of poverty, supporting the mental health of youth so that they will become happy, healthy, and community-minded adults. We do this by getting them unplugged, making real-world human connections, and finding moments of JOY connecting with the natural world.

Get Kids Outside - End of Year Giving

Camp Fire helps youth connect to nature and themselves. Fund a scholarship so a child can attend free of charge and help kids be kids!

Team Members