Avara Roberts connects with one of her besties: a chicken named "Hazel."

Avara Roberts, Afterschool Program Coordinator, South County:
Bringing Localness, Expertise and Fantastic Fun to New Three Rivers Location

Hip hip hooray! We’re so thrilled to announce Avara Roberts has joined Camp Fire Central Oregon’s afterschool program team! As our Afterschool Program Coordinator in South County, she’s serving as the site lead for this new and third location at Three Rivers School in Sunriver. And while fresh on the scene with our 100+-year-old youth development organization, Avara is anything but green when it comes to her experience with kids, camp leadership and afterschool enrichment. Read on to learn more about Avara’s background, a bit about who she is today, and insights on what she hopes to instill in our program now and in the days to come!

Avara Roberts poses with her pigs.

For Avara Roberts, life on her farm is perfect when she's got happy pigs in her pin!

Q: Tell us about your background and what drew you to join Camp Fire? 

A: I just started with Camp Fire, but I have been working with children for most of my adult life. I began working for a non-profit children's mental health agency directly out of college, where I stayed until my family and I moved to Bend. After my daughter started kindergarten, I began volunteering at her Montessori school and later worked in the afterschool program. I enjoy working with children and teaching them new skills, which is what led me to eventually start a children's camp of my own centered around homesteading skills and connecting kids to nature.

Q: What is your role as Afterschool Program Coordinator?

A: As the Afterschool Program Coordinator, I have the opportunity to work with kids in the Three Rivers area. One of the things I love about Camp Fire is how inclusive it is and how every child is encouraged to bring their whole self to the program.

Avara Roberts on a hike at Blue Pool.

Hiking to places like Blue Pool in Oregon and getting out in nature is a favorite pastime for Avara Roberts.

Q: What are your "sparks"? 

A: Some of my sparks include spending time with my family on our farm. We have pigs, goats, chickens and a garden that I love! When I'm not working on the farm, you can find me reading, being creative, and spending time outdoors (hiking, swimming, exploring).

Q: What are your future goals—professional and personal?

A: One of my personal future goals is to travel with my family. We'd love to visit Italy soon. A professional goal I have is to help grow the South County programs. I feel that there is so much opportunity to expand Camp Fire programs to meet the needs of our community.

Avara Roberts sets up a Camp Fire Afterschool sign.

Avara Roberts gets organized for working at Camp Fire Afterschool Three Rivers.

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

A: My favorite part of working with youth is being able to witness them experience new adventures. It's amazing how a new experience can impact a child—cultivating interest in something new they may find interesting or building their self-confidence. Sometimes they will even learn what some of their “sparks” are by trying new things.

Q: Why does your job—and Camp Fire—matter?

A: At Camp Fire, I'm given the opportunity to have a direct, positive impact on the youth right here in our community. I get to be there to welcome them, support them, teach them and help them thrive.