Sure, It's Cold Outside. But We're Reflecting on Hot Data From Summer!

With 2024 coming to a close and plans in the works for next summer’s programs, Camp Fire Central Oregon has been reflecting on vital feedback and data from our Summer 2024 camp season, which offered a record—drumroll please!— 33 unique camps.

Specifically, our leadership team has been making meaning of the information gathered, gaining significant insights into the summer camp experience through four major data sources: 1) the Youth Outcome Survey; 2) the Program Quality Assessment; 3) the Staff & Volunteer Survey; and 4) a Parent/Guardian survey.

Generally speaking, it was a banner year for Camp Fire’s summer programs from the standpoint of living our mission of connecting youth to the outdoors, to each other, and to themselves. How, exactly?

For starters, youth feel safe and secure in Camp Fire programs. And staff—who also feel safe and supported in our camp environments—tell us they’re empowered and equipped to ensure the safety and support of our youth. In such settings, campers and staff are free to be their authentic selves, an environment and culture that opens the door for so much discovery, opportunity and growth. (See key data highlights in accompanying infographic.)

A graphic showing 2024 Summer data highlights“With our youth our parents and our staff all reporting highly that we have created a safe physical and emotional environment, we know that we have set the baseline building blocks for a thriving opportunity for our participants to find their agency and authentic sense of self,” says Melanie Feltmate, Camp Central Oregon’s Program Director. “Safety is more important than ever now in our society and culture. So the fact that our programs are creating such a supportive, welcoming environment for our youth is incredibly relevant not just from the standpoint of safety but the fact that youth feel they can be their authentic selves. They can truly be themselves—or take steps to discover more about themselves—within a setting that supports self-development and growth-mindsets.”

In addition, Camp Fire is outscoring other youth development organizations on a national level, particularly in areas around positive identity, social skills and emotional-regulation skills development, respecting others and environmental justice. Camp Fire scored high (either a four or five) on 70% of the categories related to effective social skills and emotional-regulation skills development at SummerKids.

At this same program and after focusing all summer on increasing opportunities for youth to discover and share their “sparks”—the skills, talents or interests that motivate them—SummerKids scored fives in all subcategories promoting youth interest.

In a world and within a nation that’s feeling increasingly divisive and yet diverse, Camp Fire Central Oregon data and testimonials show that youth feel they can get along with others at our programs, regardless of race, culture and religion. As one survey participant summed it up: “Camp Fire Central Oregon is the best, most progressive Camp Fire program I’ve experienced. At Camp Fire Central Oregon, kids build diverse skills and make new discoveries about themselves and the world.”

So what’s on the agenda for Summer 2025? With a collective program goal to cultivate empathy among our youth and our staff, we’ll be developing strategies to align around that common objective. In short, we’re rolling up our sleeves to make sure that along with nurturing connection in a safe, welcoming environment, we’re really meeting kids where they’re at and let them know they’re heard, appreciated and valued for their unique selves. After all, we believe that everyone has something incredible to contribute, and igniting those special sparks…it’s what we do!

Registration for Summer 2025 dates have been announced!

Save the dates below, mark your calendars to sign up for one or more of our amazing Camp Fire programs! More details coming soon on our website!

  • January 17: Pre-approval for financial assistance opens.
  • January 25-February 2: Tumalo Day Camp Lottery entry opens.
  • February 8 - February 16: Tumalo Day Camp Lottery registration period. For those who have received a spot, this is when you must register to secure the spot. If you have not secured your spot, then it opens back up to others after February 16 at 4 p.m.
  • February 16 at 4 p.m .: All summer camp program registration opens.