Camp Fire Afterschool kids.

Camp Fire Afterschool Three Rivers kicked off for its first time, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

It seems like yesterday. Back in September of 2023, Camp Fire Central Oregon launched a second afterschool program at Bend International School…a big but far from impossible feat. And yet, one year later, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve expanded again—this time to the Sunriver/Three Rivers community!

Camp Fire Afterschool has officially kicked off at Three Rivers School, where it will host quality enrichment, daily themes, games, activities, outside fun and eSTEAM experiences, a mix of Environmental, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math! The program fills a need for afterschool care for youth in grades K-5, particularly meeting a demand for engaging program content that helps youth discover their sparks—or their passions—and thrive. You could say, “Three’s a charm!”

CFA coordinator leading art project.

Avara Roberts, CFA Three Rivers coordinator, leads an art project with youth.

“Families in the Three Rivers and Sunriver community approached us and asked for this program,” says Melanie Feltmate, Camp Fire Central Oregon’s program director. “We listened and responded, hiring staff and spreading the word, so now we need more youth to sign up! It’s very exciting, not just from the perspective of this community recognizing the value we bring to youth development but also the opportunity for Camp Fire Central Oregon to support these families and their kiddos, plus provide jobs right in their back yard.”

In addition to the afterschool program, Camp Fire is offering a FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) Robotics Competition Team at Three Rivers School. Camp Fire has an award-winning history of coaching competitive robotics teams, and sign-ups are happening right now for two teams in Bend and now one in the Sunriver/Three Rivers location.

CFA youth putting together LEGOs.

Two CFA youth end the day with some LEGO® fun!

As FLL team participants, kids in Grades 3-8 meet once a week for 10 weeks (a pre-season meeting takes place Thursday, Sept. 12 with the weekly meetings kicking off the following week). The 2024/25 theme for the FLL competition challenge is SUBMERGED. For this challenge, teams will use creative thinking and

“We realize that school has just kicked off and hope that youth will quickly sign up as both our afterschool and robotics comp teams have limited space,” Feltmate says. “As with all our programs, we offer financial assistance in our commitment to make our programs as accessible as possible. Anyone with questions is invited to reach out directly to us—we are here for you!”

To learn more about Camp Fire Afterschool and register, click here.
To learn more about our FLL Robotics Competition Teams, click here.

CFA youth working on an art project.

CFA youth focus on their art-project details.

Two tables of kids making crafts.

The first CFA art project of the year: making DIY stained-glass pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CFA participant puts yarn on her art project.

CFA offers high-quality enrichment activities for youth in Grades K-5.