How Camp Fire Central Oregon Empowers Youth Through Intentional Programming

At Camp Fire Central Oregon, the belief in the transformative power of connection is at the heart of everything we do. From designing purposeful programs to fostering community engagement, Camp Fire ensures that every young person is given the opportunity to shine, grow, and find a space where they truly belong. It’s a place where sparks are not only ignited but burn brightly, lighting the way for future generations.

Empowering Youth, Designing Programs That Matter
True impact doesn’t happen by chance. At Camp Fire Central Oregon, the team understands that meaningful change requires intentionality, thoughtfulness, and creativity. Every program is meticulously designed with a clear purpose in mind—an effort that involves collaboration across staff, community partners, and the youth themselves. This approach ensures that programs are not just effective but resonate deeply with the unique needs and aspirations of the diverse communities they serve.

“It all starts with our activity planner,” says Melanie Feltmate, Camp Fire Central Oregon’s program director. “When we work with staff to create an activity, it’s not just about the activity they are doing. We ask them to think about what is your introduction … how are you bringing youth prior knowledge into the topic they are learning about … how are you creating opportunities for connection and different levels of challenge based on where the kids are at with that activity … and then we always round out our planning with an intention that is a reflection—not just about how did the activity work out, but how did we work together as a team within the activity?”

This mindset is woven into the very fabric of Camp Fire’s programming, where every activity is seen as an opportunity for growth—both for the youth and for the mentors guiding them. It’s about fostering curiosity, building confidence, and empowering the next generation to navigate the world with courage and compassion.

Strengthening Connections: Youth, Mentors, and Staff Working Together
Connection is not just about providing young people with activities to engage in; it’s about creating genuine bonds that go beyond the surface. One way we create such bonds is through sharing “sparks,” or those interests, passions, skills and aspects about ourselves that make us unique. 

What does spark-sharing look like at Camp Fire? For starters, the staff at Camp Fire Central Oregon are dedicated to sharing their own passions and sparks with the youth they work with, enriching the experience for both sides. And so we consistently and intentionally plan opportunities for staff to share those sparks with youth, as well as for youth to share their sparks as well, according to Sam Ward, Camp Fire’s program manager.

“So instead of just having a theme where we’re teaching activities, we’re really leaning into the things that our staff love and we’re asking our staff, what do you love to do outside of work and would you like to share that with the kids,” she says.

This spark-sharing creates a two-way exchange of energy and enthusiasm, where the youth don’t just receive lessons—they contribute their own passions and ideas. Spark-sharing is a two-way street!

“Our kids have really enjoyed that a lot, and this has led to some reciprocal sharing as well,” Ward says. “Kids have gotten more comfortable sharing their sparks with staff, and we’ve even had some kids teach their spark to a whole group.”

The result is a unique environment where youth are not just participants—they are contributors, teachers, and leaders in their own right. This dynamic fosters a sense of ownership, self-esteem and pride, builds lasting connections that extend far beyond the program’s duration.

  Celebrating Strengths and Teamwork
Programs like FIRST® LEGO League®— a 10-week robotics program that culminates with Camp Fire teams participating in a regional competition every fall—further demonstrate how Camp Fire encourages connection and collaboration.

“During FIRST LEGO League,” says Jess Pederson, STEAM coordinator, “I intentionally created opportunities for the campers to work together as a team because it is a team-based activity. During that time, we highlighted and celebrated one another’s strengths and brainstormed ways to use those strengths to create a stronger team.”

This focus on teamwork and celebrating individual strengths is a powerful way to build self-esteem and a sense of community. Young people learn the importance of collaboration, empathy, and how to leverage their own unique abilities for the benefit of the group—all lessons that transcend the program setting and is essential for personal growth.

Community-Driven, Youth-Driven Programs
Without a doubt, one of the most remarkable aspects of Camp Fire Central Oregon is its deep connection to the community. The organization doesn’t just create programs based on what they think might work—they actively survey community partners and program families to listen to the needs and understand the desires of the community at large.

For example, in 2024, after hearing from families and community partners about a great need for more outdoor programs, Camp Fire listened and responded with its first-ever “Ecology Engineers” outdoor program. According to Program Manager Logan Betts, this response perfectly demonstrated intentionality, resulting in a program that created connection not just among campers and to themselves but to the environment as well.

“We immediately started planning and pivoting into how we could create that program… fulfilling what they were asking,” Betts says.

This responsiveness to the community ensures that Camp Fire’s offerings are not only relevant but are also shaped by the very people they serve. Whether it’s outdoor exploration, STEAM activities, or something else entirely, the programs reflect the evolving interests and needs of the youth and their families.

A Spark That Lasts a Lifetime
At Camp Fire Central Oregon, the work is about more than just teaching young people new skills—it’s about creating a space where they can thrive, connect, and develop into confident, compassionate individuals. By investing in thoughtful program design, fostering meaningful relationships, and responding to the needs of the community, Camp Fire ensures that every youth who participates leaves with more than just a sense of accomplishment—they leave with a spark that will continue to guide them for years to come.