'Beary' Happy to Be Onboard:
Cyprianna Martinez (she, her) Brings a Love for Leadership, Youth,
And the Outdoors to Her New Role

Cyrpianna stands next to a sign that promotes education at the zoo.

Q: Tell us about your personal and professional background, your role here with us, and how that came to be. Also, what drew you to join Camp Fire?
A: Growing up helping my mom in her classroom as often as I could, I realized I really had a knack for working with youth. For a while, I searched for a way to incorporate that experience with my love for animals—that's when I fell into zoo education! As an educator in the zoo field, I had a hybrid role feeding, cleaning, training, and bonding with my education animals while also getting to teach students about their unique needs and personalities by bringing them into schools or leading onsite field trips, camps, and classes. My favorite part of my job was always summer camp, where I thrived being able to write curriculum about conservation education and share my passion for wildlife with others. When I was ready for a career change, I found Camp Fire Central Oregon and felt that the organization aligned perfectly in our shared goal to connect youth to the outdoors and each other, plus it gave me the opportunity to explore more of Oregon. My role at Camp Fire gives me the best opportunities to continue curriculum writing and still experience the youth connections that fill my cup! 

Q: What is your role as Afterschool Program Coordinator in Bend?
A: As the Afterschool Program Coordinator in Bend, I oversee the smooth sailing between my two sites: Amity Creek and Bend International School. This entails the curriculum writing, prepping activities, doing supply runs, and anything in between to ensure my staff at each site have everything they need to deliver exciting, educational activities for our participants! My days consist of being on site as often as possible to create rapport and build connections with our program youth/families as well as my team of afterschool staff via fun lessons, field trips, or just hanging out, playing with legos during free time. As the CFA Coordinator, my priority is to make sure everyone is having fun, making memories, learning, and growing—all while staying safe!

Cyprianna stand in front of a fence behind which is a bear.Q: What are your sparks?
A: Water, bears, and being a leader! Anytime I need some calm in my busy life, being near or (preferably) in the water always rejuvenates me. Bears are my passion! I imagine we can take a few notes from the trust they put in their instincts, their slow and steady lifestyle, making sure to take the time to admire a beautiful view, and their yummy diet preferences! I especially appreciate their resilience and try to replicate their adaptability when I am thrown into a tough situation. Lastly, being a leader has always motivated me to put into the world what I hope to see in it. I really enjoy being able to offer guidance, lend a listening ear, or coach someone through a growth opportunity when I can.

Q: What are your future goals—professional and personal? 
A: I have always dreamt of living off the grid in the Great Bear Rainforest located in British Columbia! Until then, I would love to experience more of the PNW by continuing to head north up the coast, spending a few years at a time wherever interests me. Professionally, there are so many opportunities that I am excited to explore, but I am confident that any future endeavors will always include education, wildlife, and spending time outdoors!

Q: What's your favorite part of working with youth?
A: My favorite part of working with youth is how brave they are! I think adults often forget how scary navigating growing up can be, and we (as adults) can learn so much from our youth’s resilience and fearlessness. Watching our participants be able to leave any troubles at the door when they come into Camp Fire and make the most of their experience with us is always so rewarding.

Picture of Cyprianna Martinez holding a fish in a container in front of a body of water.

Cyprianna Martinez shares Camp Fire's goals around connection to the outdoors.

Q: Why does your job—and Camp Fire—matter? 
A: The work we do with Camp Fire matters because we give youth the chance to be just that— kids. At Camp Fire, participants are given the opportunity to explore who they are, discover their sparks, and practice interpersonal skills all in a safe space with supportive staff that guide them through the stages of growing up. We encourage our participants to feel, experience, and grow. Camp Fire is empowering our next generations with connection, kindness, and education through specially curated curriculum, thoughtful interactions, and genuine intention to see our youth thrive, whatever that looks like for every individual. Our work matters because every youth, regardless of their home life, school day, interests, background, etc., receives the same respect and experience.