Camp Fire Central Oregon reports record turnout at free #KidDay ice-skating party honoring youth, highlighting how incredible they are.

Bend, Ore., March 18, 2026 — The City of Bend is officially proclaiming Thursday, March 19 as Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® (aka #KidDay), recognizing the importance of celebrating and lifting up youth throughout the community.

The proclamation was presented to Camp Fire Central Oregon by Mayor Melanie Kebler (pictured above, right) and Bend City Council during their March 4 council meeting, reinforcing the city’s commitment to supporting young people and encouraging adults to recognize the incredible kids in their lives. Kecia Kubota (pictured above, left), Camp Fire Central Oregon’s executive director, accepted the proclamation on behalf of all local youth.

Founded in 1997 by nonprofit youth development organization Camp Fire, #KidDay is a national holiday dedicated to celebrating young people everywhere. Across the country, adults participate by writing letters, making a phone call, or sharing encouragement in other ways, recognizing kids for who they are, what they contribute to our world, and why.

“This nationally and locally proclaimed holiday is all about letting kids know they matter, which is important because growing up is hard,” Kubota says. “When a city like Bend officially recognizes this day, it sends a powerful message to youth that their community sees them, values them, and believes in their potential. It also reminds adults to reflect on why kids are so important and tell them why they’re truly incredible.”

Community Celebration on the Ice
In advance of the national holiday, Camp Fire Central Oregon hosted its annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Day free ice skating party at the Pavilion in Bend, welcoming local families for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating youth on Sunday, March 15. Approximately 175 kids and their families attended the event and enjoyed skating, crafts, activities, and birthday cake as part of Camp Fire’s birthday month festivities. The celebration marked the organization’s most successful #KidDay gatherings to date, bringing together families, volunteers, and community members in a joyful show of support for Central Oregon youth.

“The energy at the Pavilion was incredible,” Kubota says. “Kids were laughing, skating, creating crafts, and simply enjoying a day where the focus was entirely on celebrating them. That’s exactly what #KidDay is all about!”

Simple Ways to Spotlight Kids
For the actual commemorative day—March 19—Central Oregon community members are encouraged to engage in more #KidDay fun by writing a note of encouragement to a young person in their life—whether it’s a child, student, neighbor, or mentee. Small acts of recognition can have lasting impacts on a young person’s confidence and sense of belonging. Adults can also voice their encouragement to kids by making a phone call or other gestures of kindness and support.

Camp Fire Central Oregon makes participation easy by offering free tips and downloadable letter template and activity pages on its website (https://campfireco.org/aikd/) so adults and families can easily participate. 

“Sometimes all it takes is a few heartfelt words to remind a kid that they are valued,” Kubota says. “When people across a community take the time to recognize youth, it creates a ripple effect of positivity and encouragement. Doing something that’s personal and doesn’t involve a screen is ideal, but even sending a positive, uplifting text can brighten a child’s life in an instant.”

This Thursday, Camp Fire staff will give out #KidDay notes to youth in its Camp Fire Afterschool program at Bend International School, Amity Creek Magnet, Three Rivers School and Rosland Elementary, which also serves youth from La Pine Elementary.

Supporting Youth Year-Round

For more than a century, Camp Fire has helped young people discover who they are and what they love through programs rooted in adventure, service, and belonging. Camp Fire Central Oregon continues that mission locally through year-round camps, leadership programs, STEAM offerings, and out-of-school opportunities that empower youth to build confidence, develop life skills, and connect with their community. Thanks to grantors and community donors, Camp Fire Central Oregon provided over $200,000 in scholarships to youth attending its 2025 programs.To learn more about giving or help sustain Camp Fire Central Oregon’s impact, visit: https://campfireco.org/donate.

Camp Fire Central Oregon is grateful for this year’s #KidDay sponsors: City of Bend, St. Charles Health System, Camp Fire National and AT&T. Additional partners: Safeway on Century Blvd., Bend Parks & Recreation District (the Pavilion), Leaping Lizards Toy Co. and Handels Homemade Ice Cream.

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INTERVIEW CONTACT:
Kecia Kubota (she/her), Executive Director | Camp Fire Central Oregon
info@campfireco.org; (541) 205-9146

GENERAL MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Katie Roberts (she/her), Communications & Outreach Manager, Camp Fire Central Oregon: katie@campfireco.org; (541) 362-1862

About Camp Fire Central Oregon
Founded in 1910, Camp Fire is a national organization that actively engages youth and teens in building essential skills for life. Camp Fire Central Oregon has been a local leader in youth development since 1916. The organization provides out-of-school time, teen service and leadership, camp and environmental programs. Young people want to shape the world. Camp Fire provides the opportunity to help them find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are.