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.

“She had found a purpose again.”

Our family experience with Camp Fire has been extraordinary. The thoughtfulness of the staff and the way they listen to our needs for Emma are incredible. Emma was struggling greatly when school and outside camps closed earlier this year. Then when we began Camp Fire and Emma became her happy and outgoing self again. She had found a purpose again. Thank you for all you do and we are forever grateful for your organization.

Caroline P., 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.

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What Nature Can Teach Us About Real Rest, Rejuvenation, and Recovery This Holiday Season

Colder temperatures. Less sunshine. Longer nights. When you add to that the collective holiday stress and anxiety exuded by many of the grown-ups in their lives, young people can feel particularly lost this time of year. We can learn a… Read More >

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Media Release: Camp Fire Afterschool to Launch in La Pine, Kicks Off Mon., Dec. 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Camp Fire Afterschool to Launch in La Pine, Kicks off Monday, Dec. 2 Thanks to community support, La Pine and Rosland Elementary School youth will enjoy top-notch afterschool enrichment for the 2024-2025 school year. BEND, Ore., Nov.… Read More >

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Building Bridges: How Partnerships Expand Access to Camps

Building Bridges: How Partnerships Expand Access to Camps Amid fall programs and winter fun coming up, Camp Fire is prepping for Summer 2025, notably making sure that, per our commitment to equitable access in programming, a diversity of youth will… Read More >

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Camp Fire Kids Show Heartfelt Thanks in Veterans Day Parade

Camp Fire Kids Show Heartfelt Thanks in Veterans Day Parade On Monday, Nov. 11, Camp Fire Central Oregon’s No School Day (NSD) campers proudly took part in the annual Veterans Day Parade in Bend, a touching local and annual tribute… Read More >

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Staff Spotlight: Jess Pederson

Picture of Jess Pederson in dinosaur costume

Jess Pederson, STEAM Program Coordinator: Coding ‘Creative’ Into Camp Fire’s STEAM Success There’s no question that fall is a super cool time of year for Camp Fire. In particular, that’s when our FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) Competition Teams take shape… Read More >

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An Update on Camp Fire’s 5-Year Journey from Cultural Appropriation to Relationship-Building

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… Read More >

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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