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 the fun, something much deeper has been taking place. This season marks a major milestone for our organization, driven by our selection as a recipient of the prestigious American Camp Association (ACA) Grant Award through its national Character at Camp program.

This grant, which is part of a competitive national initiative supported by Lilly Endowment Inc., has allowed us to launch a highly intentional strategy centered around three core character strengths: curiosity, compassion, and confidence. Rather than leaving character growth to chance, our staff is actively weaving these values into the daily camp experience.

“For months, we thoughtfully built this curriculum with the Character at Camp guidelines, and they were at the heart of our planning,” says Logan Betts, program manager. “Watching campers grow in confidence, build friendships, and discover what excites them has been so rewarding. By the end of each day, they're all smiles and excited to come back tomorrow. We have so many fun, character-building experiences planned this summer, and every activity is designed to help kids discover their sparks, have fun, build lifelong skills, and leave camp feeling more confident than when they arrived.”

We saw this strategy come to life perfectly during Week 1 and Week 2 of SummerKids. Campers kicked off the season diving headfirst into creative team challenges and outdoor exploration, using their curiosity to discover their "sparks" and learn about the environment around them. Through group dynamics and inclusive games, youth practiced compassion by supporting one another, stepping up to ensure every camper felt seen, heard, and valued. By the end of our second week, whether conquering a new outdoor skill or sharing a project with peers, campers walked away with a visible boost in confidence.

collection of images showing kids doing various afterschool activitiesThis character-driven impact is extending right into our specialized Ecology Engineers STEAM Camps, where youth will soon be engaging in hands-on science and engineering. In two unique sessions, campers will use their curiosity to explore fire ecology (July 13-17) as well as regional flora and fauna (August 10-14), while building the confidence to collaborate and solve complex environmental problems using technology. Youth will be taking field trips to outdoor sites, immersing themselves in nature and having fun alongside fellow campers.

collection of images showing youth sewing at afterschool programAs the summer rolls on, upcoming sessions at SummerKids and Ecology Engineers will continue to serve as the perfect backdrop for cultivating these traits each week. Best of all, the momentum built this summer won't fade when the sunshine does. This ACA grant-backed framework will remain our guiding light for our school-year programs, serving as the foundational approach for Camp Fire Afterschool and our No School Day Camps. By keeping curiosity, compassion, and confidence at the heart of everything we do, we are ensuring Central Oregon youth thrive all year long.

Spaces are still open for our remaining summer sessions, and school-year program registration is also available for signups—visit our website to register today!