Staff Spotlight: Andrew Blaylock, Teen Programs Coordinator

From Middle School Music to Teen Mentorship:
Andrew Blaylock Finds His New Stage at Camp Fire!

Andrew Blaylock, Teen Program Coordinator at Camp Fire Central Oregon.

If you haven’t met Andrew Blaylock (he/his) yet, you’re in for a treat! After making a big impact as part of Camp Fire Central Oregon’s afterschool team this past school year, Andrew has stepped into a new role as Teen Program Coordinator—and he’s bringing all the energy, heart, and creativity that have already made him a favorite with youth and staff alike. In this Q&A, Andrew shares about his background as a middle school music teacher, what drew him to Camp Fire, what inspires his work with teens, and why he believes building connection, confidence, and community is more important than ever.

Q: Tell us about your background and what drew you to join Camp Fire Central Oregon.
A: Born and raised here in Central Oregon, I found at an early age that I had a passion for helping others and spreading joy. As a teen, I discovered my passion for music. These discoveries eventually led to my becoming a middle school music teacher. It was a role where all of my passions came together, and I found so much joy in working with the youth in our community. When I stepped out of that role, I knew I wanted to continue working with youth, and that’s how I found my way to Camp Fire Central Oregon. I immediately connected with the mission and values of the organization and felt right at home with a group of people who want to serve our community through providing joy, curiosity, and belonging in the younger generations.

Q: Describe your role as Teen Program Coordinator and other roles you may now be supporting/fulfilling?

A: In my role as Teen Programs Coordinator, I am mainly organizing and facilitating volunteer opportunities for middle and high school aged youth. I’m also running the Junior Counselor and SKY leader programs, which are both opportunities for teenagers to step into a leadership position during our Summer Kids camp program. I’m excited to help grow the program into a go-to resource for teens who wish to make a positive impact on their community while learning about themselves and discovering their passions.

Q: What are your sparks?
A: I find the most joy and fulfillment from connecting with others—spending quality time with friends and family is restorative. In my alone time, I love to learn to play and sing my favorite songs on my guitar. Over the years, I’ve learned to play a variety of other instruments as well (drums, bass, piano, ukulele, mandolin) and found a love of writing and recording my own music. Having this creative outlet has been transformative in my life. I also love playing video games with my friends. It’s always been my favorite way to stay in touch as life takes us in different directions.

Q: What are your future goals—professional and personal? 
A: I strive to always approach life with curiosity and a desire to learn and grow. This outlook applies to both my professional and personal goals. I want to develop this program alongside the teens who participate and to share with them the values of growth, service, and community. I hope to continue to hone my skills as a musician and, one day, have a family of my own that gets to be a part of the community I love.

Q: What's your favorite part of working with youth?

A: Their curiosity for life reminds me to hold onto that in myself. They seek joy without shame or hesitation. I think we could all benefit from a little more of that in our adult lives. Also, their brutal honesty. No one has ever been more direct with me than a middle schooler. I find it refreshing, endearing, and often hilarious.

Q: Why does your job—and Camp Fire—matter?
A: Being a teenager can be so difficult. It’s a confusing and uncomfortable time in all of our lives—a time full of changes, challenges, and self discovery. I believe being of service to others is an incredibly fulfilling way to step outside of yourself and learn who you really are. Camp Fire and the teen programs are here to provide that outlet and experience, and I’m so grateful to get to be a part of it.