Camp Fire Central Oregon’s annual March celebration gets bigger and better with a FREE ice-skating extravaganza, new activities
and a dash of heartfelt FUNdraising!

Bend, Ore., March 11, 2025 — Ready, set, skate! Camp Fire Central Oregon is thrilled to invite the community to its annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® (AIK Day) celebration, happening Sunday, March 16 at the Pavilion in Bend. The big event includes FREE ice skating for the first 200 kids through the door, fun activities, birthday cake and festivities—all in honor of Camp Fire’s annual Kid Day celebration and the incredible youth in our world!

A national holiday that’s celebrated in unique ways by Camp Fire affiliates all over the United States, AIK Day strives to lift up kids and teens on the third Thursday of March, which falls on March 20 this year. However, Camp Fire Central Oregon’s FREE ice-skating party will take place the Sunday before the actual holiday.

“In past years, we’ve hosted this annual tradition to align with early-release Wednesdays for the Bend-La Pine School District,” says Joey Hamilton, Camp Fire’s marketing & development director. “However, the Pavilion had an opening on a Sunday, March 16, so we jumped at the opportunity to make our event more accessible to all Central Oregon kids, which means it’s slated to be bigger and better than ever!” 

Along with the ice skating and cake, Camp Fire plans to hold a swag raffle fundraiser and host crafts, robotics and—new this year—games unique to its programs. Camp Fire staff will be on hand to connect with families about its camps and other offerings while engaging with youth in ice skating and activities. Also new and noteworthy: Camp Fire expects to draw a larger crowd this year, including youth from the Three Rivers and La Pine area, where the nonprofit youth organization recently expanded its afterschool program to three schools.

In addition, teens looking for community service and leadership opportunities are invited to volunteer through Camp Fire’s Teen Connects Program. Meanwhile, community members can volunteer, too, registering through Central Oregon Volunteer Connect. 

“From the kids and families

 to our staff, volunteers and partners, AIK Day is a phenomenal community event, filled with so much energy and joy,” Hamilton says. “Celebrating children is so worth it … every child deserves to know they matter and are incredible, and this gives us that golden opportunity to do so!”

EVENT DETAILS
What: Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® FREE Ice Skating Party and Camp Fire Celebration
When: Sunday, March 16, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Arrive by 3 p.m. to allow for time to enjoy the fun.
Where: The Pavilion, 1001 SW Bradbury Dr., Bend, OR 97702
Who: Camp Fire Central Oregon and the youth and families of our community; first 200 youth through the door (ages 17 and under, must be accompanied by a caring adult)
Why: How often do we tell the kids and teens in our lives how incredible they are? This is why Camp Fire founded AIK Day in 1997 to activate millions of adults across the U.S. to write/tell a young person in their life what makes them incredible, plus find other ways to celebrate kids!

MARCH MARKS CAMP FIRE’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNWrapping around the AIK Day excitement, Camp Fire Central Oregon is also hosting a month-long annual fundraiser, in tri

bute to celebrating 109 years of impact, igniting passion and purpose in Central Oregon youth. The campaign’s goal? To remove financial barriers, ensuring all youth, regardless of their background, can participate in transformative programs that inspire confidence, leadership, and lifelong skills.

“Throughout March, we’re highlighting aspects of Camp Fire that have shaped our values and impact, while inviting everyone to join us in creating a brighter future through financial donations, sponsorships, and more,” Hamilton says.  “At Camp Fire we’re more than just a program—we’re a community that encourages youth to embrace their whole selves by creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard and valued. With your support, we can continue building life-changing experiences that create a lasting legacy of values by strengthening individuals, families and communities for generations to come.”

Support Camp Fire today by visiting: https://campfireco.org/donate/.

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INTERVIEW CONTACT/MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Joey Hamilton, Marketing & Development Director | Camp Fire Central Oregon, joey@campfireco.org; (541) 316-8006

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.