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.

“I’m so happy there are options for engaging older kids.”

Our son attended Camp Fire camps for years and is now old enough to do the SKY Leaders program. He really enjoyed it. I’m so happy there are options for engaging older kids.

Teen 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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Camp Fire Alumni Lorrie Scott: A Lifetime of Belonging

When Lorrie Scott talks about Camp Fire, she doesn’t start with awards, leadership roles, or the decades she has spent preserving the organization’s history.  It was the place where she found belonging.  In 1960, Camp Fire’s 50th anniversary year, Lorrie… Read More >

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Cultivating Character at Camp Fire: Building Curiosity, Compassion, and Confidence in Our Youth

Summer is in full swing, and energy is higher than ever across Camp Fire Central Oregon programs. Following an incredible first couple of weeks, our SummerKids 10-week camp has been packed with laughter, learning, and outdoor adventure. But beneath all… Read More >

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Media Release: Saving the Spark: Camp Fire Central Oregon Issues Urgent Appeal Amid $150K Funding Shortfall

BEND, Ore., June 30, 2026  — Camp Fire Central Oregon, a bedrock youth organization serving the region since 1916, has launched an emergency fundraising campaign to bridge a critical financial gap. A combination of unexpected economic headwinds, rising operational costs,… Read More >

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Camp Fire Central Oregon: A Century of Connection and Growth

There’s something magical about being part of the Camp Fire family. Rooted in Bend since 1916, Camp Fire Central Oregon has spent a solid century helping youth to discover their “sparks” and lead healthy, joyful and purposeful lives.  In Bend’s… Read More >

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Screens, Stress, and Space to Breathe: What Youth Really Need

These days, parents and caregivers don’t need to be convinced that too much screen time isn’t great for kids. You’ve seen it play out in real time. Short attention spans. Mood shifts. Trouble pulling them away from the screen once they’re fixed on it.   At this point, the… Read More >

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Media Release: Camp Fire Gears Up for Summer, Aims to Bolster Confidence, Curiosity, and Compassion in Kids

SummerKids 2026 includes fresh programming, prestigious national safety certification, and a new character-centered strategy.   Bend, Ore., April 16, 2026 — Camp Fire Central Oregon is launching an exciting new chapter for its action-packed SummerKids daycamp, unveiling expanded programming, national recognition… 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