SummerKids 2026 includes fresh programming, prestigious national safety certification, and a new character-centered strategy.

 

Bend, Ore., April 16, 2026 — Camp Fire Central Oregon is launching an exciting new chapter for its action-packed SummerKids daycamp, unveiling expanded programming, national recognition for health and safety, and a stronger-than-ever focus on youth development designed to help kids thrive all summer long.

Among the most significant news, SummerKids has earned the prestigious MESH+ Seal from the Alliance for Camp Health, a national distinction recognizing camps that meet rigorous standards in health, safety, and risk management. According to Melanie Feltmate, Camp Fire Central Oregon’s operations director, this certification underscores Camp Fire’s commitment to providing a safe, high-quality environment where youth can explore, grow, and build confidence.

Kids hiking across a rocky plain.“This recognition affirms the intentional work we’ve done to ensure kids are not only having fun, but are also supported in a setting that prioritizes their well-being,” Feltmate says. “Families can feel confident knowing their kids are in a program that meets the highest standards in camp health. For instance, we know that today’s young people are navigating a lot—rising anxiety, stress, and the pressures that come with social media, academics, and socio-economic strife. We’re also seeing more youth feeling disconnected and alone, which makes these challenges even harder to face. At Camp Fire, we recognize growing up is hard, and we’re committed to equipping our staff with the tools to notice when something isn’t right and step in with care and support when a child may be at risk or just need to know someone is there who cares.”

Expanded Scheduled Meets Working Family Needs
Also in response to a specific need to support working families, SummerKids is also expanding to 10 weeks of programming this summer—offering greater flexibility and more options.

Each week will feature engaging, themed experiences designed to spark imagination and excitement, alongside returning favorites like Water Wednesdays, where campers cool off with water-based activities, and Spark Clubs—a camper favorite. A cornerstone of the SummerKids experience, Spark Clubs empower youth to choose daily activities based on their interests, curiosity, and passions—from arts and crafts to outdoor exploration, STEAM activities, group games, and leadership opportunities.

This camper-driven model encourages independence while fostering a sense of ownership and belonging. Perhaps best of all, SummerKids is a powerful solution for keeping kids engaged over the summer and off screens.

Deepening Impact Through Character and Play
This summer also marks a deeper investment in youth development outcomes, guided by Camp Fire Central Oregon’s recent Character at Camp grant award. The program is placing an intentional focus on cultivating curiosity, confidence, and compassion in every camper. Through hands-on activities, team-building experiences, and opportunities for self-expression, youth will develop skills that extend far beyond the summer months.

Reinforcing these strengths will be strategies from Playworks, a nationwide program that has offered a proven strategy for helping kids stay active and build valuable skills through play. Primarily, it nurtures inclusivity and helps kids learn valuable conflict-resolution skills for working out differences and disagreements. In addition, kids build leadership skills, or the opportunity to develop a sense of fairness, confidence and communication. Camp Fire has been successfully using Playworks in its school-year programs and, because they work, will incorporate them into summer programs as well.

“From how we’re approaching programming to staff training and youth wellbeing, we’ve intentionally evolved our program model to center on the whole child,” says Logan Betts, SummerKids’ program manager. “By giving kids more choice, more voice, and more opportunities to connect with others and feel safe, we’re creating an environment where they can truly flourish—socially, emotionally, and personally. This summer is going to be amazing, and we can’t wait for the first day to start!”

Investing in SummerKids Excellence
To support this expanded vision, Camp Fire Central Oregon is actively recruiting a Site Lead to join its summer leadership team. This key role will help guide daily operations, mentor summer camp staff, and ensure the delivery of a high-quality camper experience. The organization is seeking passionate, community-minded leaders who are eager to make a meaningful impact in the lives of local youth.

All SummerKids staff will benefit this year through a new “train the trainer” initiative geared toward better preparing camp counselors in supporting youth who may have a vulnerable nervous system and ensuring positive behavior management for the entire camp community. The SummerKids training will be provided by Carrie Lawson of Mindful Camp Consulting and will reinforce Camp Fire’s youth and staff safety goals.

What’s more, for the third year in a row, SummerKids will further bolster the wellbeing of youth and staff through a dedicated behavior and inclusion specialist, who provides an on-site, extra layer of expertise for staff managing youth-behavior challenges. This role also serves youth directly, instilling real-time behavior management skills they can use at and outside of camp.

SummerKids has long been a trusted, joyful tradition for families across Central Oregon. With these new enhancements, Camp Fire Central Oregon is building on that legacy—creating a more dynamic, inclusive, and impactful experience for every child who attends.

Registration for SummerKids is now open for Grades 1-6 as well as for junior counselor opportunities for Grades 7-12. As space fills quickly, families are urged to sign up early.

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INTERVIEW CONTACTS:

Melanie Feltmate (she/her), Operations Director | Camp Fire Central Oregon
melanie@campfireco.org; (541) 539-6336

Logan Betts (she/her), Program Manager | Camp Fire Central Oregon
logan@campfireco.org; (541) 205-9203

GENERAL MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Katie Roberts (she/her), Communications & Outreach Manager | Camp Fire Central Oregon
katie@campfireco.org; (541) 362-1862

About Camp Fire Central Oregon
Founded in 1910, Camp Fire is a national organization that actively engages youth and teens in building essential skills for life. Camp Fire Central Oregon has been a local leader in youth development since 1916. The organization provides out-of-school time, teen service and leadership, camp and environmental programs. Young people want to shape the world. Camp Fire provides the opportunity to help them find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are.