Honored at the 2025 Camp Fire Leadership Conference,
Camp Fire Central Oregon spotlighted for its commitment to youth protection, abuse prevention.

Bend, Ore., November 20, 2025 – Camp Fire Central Oregon is thrilled to announce that it has been honored with the “Culture of Safety Award” from Camp Fire National Headquarters. The prestigious award recognizes the organization’s outstanding commitment to going above and beyond in promoting a positive safety culture within Camp Fire Central Oregon, as well as its proactive leadership in prioritizing physical and emotional safety across its diverse offerings—from afterschool programs and summer camps to teen service initiatives, leadership opportunities, and volunteer engagement.

Camp Fire Central Oregon leadership accepted the prestigious award at the 2025 National Leadership Conference in late October. The nonprofit youth development organization was one of six affiliates that received a national award, selected from a pool of 44 affiliates across 24 states. 

According to a statement released by Camp Fire National: “Camp Fire Central Oregon exemplifies unparalleled commitment to youth protection and abuse prevention, establishing a gold standard through continuous, comprehensive staff development that extends throughout the entire program year—far beyond initial onboarding.

“The organization’s leadership actively pursues professional development in abuse risk management, including the Program Supervisor Series, nationally acclaimed Stewards for Children training, and specialized seminars on Working with Minor Employees and Teen Leaders. In an extraordinary testament to their culture of safety and well-being, 61 staff members completed one or more youth protection courses through Learning Lab this past year.”

Camp Fire Central Oregon’s commitment extends to holistic youth well-being. It has earned the prestigious MESH(+) Seal from the Alliance for Camp Health and was selected as one of only two affiliates from the entire network to participate in the Institute for Youth Mental Health.

“The reality facing our young people is that anxiety, depression and stress-related illness from social media addiction and academic pressure are on the rise,” says Melanie Feltmate, Camp Fire Central Oregon’s operations director. “Additionally, Gen Z has been described as the most isolated generation, dealing with a youth loneliness epidemic and rising suicide and drug overdose rates. These are hard topics for anyone to talk about. At Camp Fire we know growing up is hard, and that is why it is imperative that we train our staff and volunteers to know how to recognize and respond when they see that a child is at risk of emotional, mental, or physical harm.”

This is the second time in three years that Camp Fire Central Oregon has been honored by Camp Fire National Headquarters for its success. In Fall 2023, Camp Fire Central Oregon received the “Leadership & Values” award, a further testimony to its consistent commitment to youth development—an essential mission in our world today.

“At a time when young people face unprecedented pressures—from mental health challenges to social and environmental uncertainty, safety, belonging, and getting outside and engaged in nature, away from screens, are all more important than ever,” says Kecia Kubuta, Executive Director of Camp Fire Central Oregon. “This award reflects our entire team’s dedication to ensuring every youth feels seen, supported, and safe to be themselves.”

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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 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.