Families are invited to an afternoon of skating, activities, and celebration on Sunday, March 15, from 12:30–3:30 p.m. at The Pavilion—kids 17 and under skate for free!

Bend, Ore., March 10, 2026 — Hey kids! It’s time to “ready, set, skate!” for FREE with Camp Fire Central Oregon on Sunday, March 15 at The Pavilion. The nonprofit youth development organization is inviting the whole community to its annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Day (aka #KidDay) celebration—three action-packed hours of *FREE ice skating for the first 200 kids through the door, birthday cake and family-friendly activities, all honoring the incredible youth in our community and beyond.

Observed nationwide, #KidDay is recognized in unique ways by Camp Fire affiliates across the United States. The holiday encourages adults to uplift and recognize kids and teens, and it takes place each year on the third Thursday of March, which falls on March 19 this year. Camp Fire Central Oregon will host its free ice-skating celebration on the Sunday before the national holiday.

“This year’s event coincides with Camp Fire’s 116th birthday,” says Katie Roberts, Camp Fire’s outreach and communications manager. “As in years past, we’re welcoming kids and their families to skate and enjoy off-the-ice activities as well! It’s a great way to get exercise in the fresh air, engage with others, and just have fun—bring all your friends!”

In addition to skating and birthday cake, the event will feature a raffle, a hands-on STEAM activity, opportunities for parents/guardians to write letters of encouragement to kids, photo booth, and a #KidDay craft project designed to lift the spirits of patients staying at Ronald McDonald House. Camp Fire staff will also be on hand to connect with families about the organization’s camps and youth programs while engaging with youth all afternoon.

Organizers expect another strong turnout, including youth from the Three Rivers and La Pine communities, where Camp Fire offers afterschool programs serving three schools.

Over the past month, teen volunteers interested in community service and leadership development were encouraged to lend a hand through Camp Fire’s Teen Connects Program, and this opportunity quickly filled up!

“From the kids and families to our staff, volunteers, partners, and sponsors, #KidDay is pure community magic,” Roberts says. “It’s a day where the spotlight is entirely on celebrating how amazing today’s youth truly are, which is important because we know growing up is hard. Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and incredible—and this event gives us the perfect chance to make sure they know it.”

EVENT DETAILS:

What: Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® FREE Ice Skating Party and Camp Fire Celebration
When: Sunday, March 15, 12:30–3:30 p.m. Arrive early—by 3 p.m. to skate!
Where: The Pavilion, 1001 SW Bradbury Way, Bend
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 Absolutely Incredible Kid Day in 1997—to activate millions of adults across the U.S. to write or tell a young person in their life what makes them incredible, and to find other ways to celebrate kids.

This year’s sponsors include the City of Bend, St. Charles Health System, Camp Fire and AT&T. Additional partners: Safeway and Bend Park & Recreation District.

For more information, visit Camp Fire’s website: https://campfireco.org/aikd.

INTERVIEW & MEDIA CONTACT:
Katie Roberts (she/her)
Outreach & Communications Manager | Camp Fire Central Oregon
katie@campfireco.org; (541) 362-1862

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.