Throughout the giving season, we invite you to follow us online, where you’ll witness a series of stories spotlighting some of our amazing program participants. These videos showcase firsthand the vital role you can play in helping children thrive.

Counselor-in-training Kashay joined Camp Fire Central Oregon back in grade school as a camper. She loves working with the littles at camp and has discovered over the years, with the help of our role-model staff, how to regulate her emotions for herself and for the kids she loves and leads.

Meet Jack! A camper at Tumalo Day Camp, Jack has found his sparks and learned some lessons that help him to thrive! And that’s the very mission of our camps: helping kiddos connect with the outdoors, to each other, and to themselves!

Meet Andrew, AKA “Sarge,” a camper-turned-counselor at Camp Fire Central Oregon. Sarge went from worrying about being a camper years ago and feeling accepted to becoming a counselor who is now pursuing his education as a teacher’s assistant at Central Oregon Community College.

Janeva has been coming to Camp Fire Central Oregon for two years and has a lot of words to say about what she’s learned, what’s important about Camp Fire, how she’s overcome feeling worried about fitting in, and what makes her happy at camp.

Zoey joined her brother at Tumalo Day Camp this summer—and her mom, who’s a volunteer counselor. By the river, under the pines, she grew self-confidence and skills through empowering activities.

August surprised himself by discovering a passion for drawing, inspiration from counselors, and a fresh interest in history and culture. He thinks more kids could benefit from building bee condos and generally having fun, too.