Kids engaging in a watermelon science project, making it explode

Camp Fire Central Oregon takes a strategic approach to planning high-value activities that meet kids where they are and speak to who they want to be!

Registration Opens June 8, 4 p.m. for All School-Year Programs, Including Camp Fire Afterschool at Rosland Elementary Location and Award-Winning Robotics Competition Teams

Bend, Ore., June 3, 2025 — Camp Fire Central Oregon is excited to announce two important changes related to school-year programs for the 2025/2026 season. First and foremost, registration for its school-year programs for youth in Grades 5-12 (up to age 17) will launch on Sunday, June 8 at 4 p.m., significantly earlier than the traditional mid-summer opening.

This change is designed to give families more time to plan and secure spots in its very popular programs, including Camp Fire Afterschool and FIRST® LEGO® League Competition Teams. By moving the launch to June 8, Camp Fire hopes to better meet the scheduling needs of Central Oregon families eager to lock in high-quality, youth-centered enrichment opportunities before the busy back-to-school season begins. In the 2024/2025, Camp Fire’s school-year programs served 469 kids throughout Central Oregon.

“We’ve heard from parents and caregivers that earlier access to registration would help with school-year planning,” said Melanie Feltmate, Camp Fire Central Oregon’s program director. “This shift allows us to be more responsive to their needs and to ensure even more youth can benefit from our programs. Our core school-year offerings will be ready for sign-ups first, with additional program announcements and sign-ups coming soon.”

Registration will open to the public on Sunday, June 8 at 4 p.m. via the Camp Fire Central Oregon website: https://campfireco.org/. Families interested in financial assistance are invited to pre-apply now, visiting campfireco.org/financial-assistance/.

Important Location Change for Camp Fire Afterschool in La Pine
In addition to the registration date change, Camp Fire is also announcing a location shift with its afterschool program in South County, offering CFA at Rosland Elementary to all K-5 youth in the La Pine community, starting this fall. La Pine Elementary students enrolled in CFA will have the option to take a short bus ride to Rosland Elementary.

“We are thrilled that La Pine Elementary students will have a quick commute to Camp Fire Afterschool, where our friendly staff will greet kids at the bus and walk them into the program at Rosland Elementary,” Feltmate says. “This means everyone in that program will have lots of time to dive into fun, activities, and connection, instead of having to be on the bus for a longer period of time. It’s a win-win for all!”

Camp Fire also offers its afterschool program at Three Rivers School in Sunriver and two locations in Bend.

Support for Registration and Financial Assistance
With school-year registration right around the corner, families are encouraged to save the date of June 8, 4 p.m., tune into Camp Fire’s website for registration alerts, and sign up for Camp Fire’s newsletter. 

Specific questions around registration and financial assistance can be directed to info@campfireco.org or 541.382.4682. 

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INTERVIEW CONTACT:
Melanie Feltmate (she/her), Program Manager | Camp Fire Central Oregon
info@campfireco.org; (541) 539-6336

GENERAL MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Katie Roberts (she/her), Marketing Coordinator | Camp Fire Central Oregon
katie@campfireco.org; (541) 299-2812

About Camp Fire Central Oregon
Founded in 1910, Camp Fire is a national youth development organization that engages kids and teens in building essential skills. Its mission is to connect youth to the outdoors, to each other, and to themselves. A proud affiliate, Camp Fire Central Oregon has ignited youth potential since 1916 through experience-based programs that spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster belonging. Programs include afterschool and no-school day options, teen leadership, STEAM and environmental education, and summer camps—all designed to help youth thrive. Through hands-on learning, real-world problem-solving, and meaningful relationships, young people discover who they are, what they care about, and how to make a difference. Learn more at campfireco.org.