Meet our newest team member: Sara Ward! Sara joined our staff this month as the Program Manager for Camp Fire Afterschool.

Sara comes to us after working at other youth-serving organizations around Bend and with a wealth of knowledge on how to create valuable, fun enrichment experiences for young people. We are excited to welcome her to the Camp Fire family!

Check out our recent interview with Sara here:

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

I’m from a tiny mountain town in Idaho! I grew up exploring the forest, nature journaling, and rock hunting in the wilderness areas around our home.

 

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

I am someone who is continuously looking for ways to gain new experiences, learn more, and to grow as a leader in my community. I believe it’s important to connect with others around me, and I work hard to help create connections wherever I go.

 

WHAT LED YOU TO WORKING WITH CAMP FIRE?

I am passionate about working with the youth in our community and helping to make a safe, inclusive, and fun space for all! Camp Fire is such a wonderful organization, and I’m excited to be a part of creating programs with them.

 

WHY DO YOU LIKE WORKING WITH YOUTH? HOW DOES IT IMPACT YOU? OR FEED YOU?

Working with students “fills my bucket” because I believe that change begins with the youth, and people protect what they care about. I think it’s important to create programs where participants learn to care about the Earth, their own potential, and each other.

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF "CAMP”?

My favorite part of camp is encouraging kids to follow their curiosity while facilitating activities and programs that make every single person there feel like they’re seen, included, and having a great time. I enjoy the wild energy of camp, too, and enjoy getting to be myself and have fun along with the participants!

 

WHAT ARE YOUR “SPARKS”?

My sparks are participating in community connection, exploring the world around me, creating art, and jumping out of my comfort zone! I also enjoy snowboarding and getting outside whenever I can.

 

WERE YOU INSPIRED BY AN ADULT MENTOR? HOW?

I was inspired by a mentor who intentionally encouraged me to follow my gut feelings, embrace who I was, and to stand up for what I believed in. She was someone who continuously challenged me, created space for everyone she influenced, and worked hard to make things equitable for all. Those qualities are inspiring for me, and I definitely look to her as the kind of leader I want to be.

 

ANY PARTING WORDS?

I’m really looking forward to being a part of Camp Fire and being on a team with so many creative, intentional, and skilled people.