A Journey That Lasts a Lifetime
Connection is not just an outcome—it’s a guiding principle. At Camp Fire Central Oregon, we believe that relationships have the power to spark growth, cultivate belonging, and create a lifelong impact. From a child’s first day in our programs to the lasting friendships and values they carry into adulthood, we intentionally weave connection into every stage of their journey that extends beyond age, background, and experience.

How does Camp Fire Central Oregon achieve all this? Through a progression of programs that empower youth to discover their sparks and thrive, no matter when and where they insert themselves into their Camp Fire journey.

“We're really special in the fact that you can start Campfire Central Oregon at four years old, and, quite literally, the opportunities to stay involved never end,” says Melanie Feltmate, Camp Fire Central Oregon’s program director. “We have programming all the way through 12th grade, then you can come back as a counselor … then back as an employee … and then you can bring your kids to Camp Fire. So once you start the journey, there's always a place for you to stay in it. Even if you leave, you can always come back.”

Building Confidence, Connections & Community
Kristina Callahan is the parent of Katalina (pictured left), one of many Camp Fire participants who have specifically come to love Camp Fire because, while it offers structure and is a solid resource for parents seeking care for their youth, it’s not a cookie-cutter opportunity. Camp Fire Central Oregon’s year-round programs are designed with very proactive planning, developed and reinforced with strategic staff training, implemented in ways that give youth voice and choice, and offered not just for a limited period but over months, years—even decades.

For Kristina, this has been super important because prior to coming to Camp Fire, her daughter was struggling to feel connection among peers and thrive at school. After a year or so at Camp Fire, however, things changed. Caring staff and inclusive experiences have helped her feel welcome to be herself, confident in building relationships, and excited about learning and exploring her unique interests through various activities, outside time, creative, equitable play and other intentional enrichment.

“There are the camps during no school days … the summer camps that we're super excited about … and (Katalina) can't wait to do the robotics when she's in third grade,” Kristina says. “There’s the opportunities for training to be a babysitter and a teen leader, and when Katalina is 18—and if she wants to stay in Bend and find a great job—she can be a counselor herself, which, the way things are going at Camp Fire, I definitely see her doing!”

Maxim Ranzuglia (pictured right), a former camper and Counselor in Training (CIT) and now current Camp Fire board member, is a shining example of experiencing Camp Fire from youth into adulthood. He remembers his mom signing him up for teen service and leadership programs around age 11, after which he then engaged in more ways to stay involved, sometimes in response to staff members directly reaching out, checking in with and encouraging him to participate in various Camp Fire programs. He continued his journey as a junior counselor, CIT and teen service/leadership participant. Ranzuglia’s connection with Camp Fire sparked a passion for service and giving back to the community—because of volunteering through Camp Fire at area nonprofits, he’s felt at ease volunteering on his own at places like Shepard’s House, even bringing along his mom to join him in the past. Also, over time, Ranzuglia has developed meaningful relationships with Camp Fire staff and other teens, embracing common ground, differences, personal growth, teamwork and friendships.

Looking back, Ranzuglia recalls the staff “constantly made an effort” to invite Ranzuglia to programs and helped him feel welcome, noting that he, too, started making an effort. Today he’s voicing his youth-turned-adult perspectives by offering up his service and insights to Camp Fire’s board of directors.

“I responded and continue to be a part of Camp Fire in any capacity that I can,” he says.

Generations of Intention
With Camp Fire’s roots dating back to 1910 and our affiliate’s plans to continue growing and serving Central Oregon youth for generations to come, there will be no shortage of opportunities for people ages 4+ to connect with, remain involved in, and committed to the Camp Fire journey.

Says Feltmate, “The fact that Camp Fire has been around for 115 years speaks to the fact that our journey is impacting people, that we are making connections, and we will continue to do this work for at least the next 115 years, impacting more and more generations of future leaders and of the future community members all around us.”

Connection, Camp Fire’s Guiding Principle

In short, connection is not just an outcome—it’s a guiding principle. At Camp Fire, we believe that relationships have the power to spark growth, cultivate belonging, and create a lifelong impact. From a child’s first day in our programs to the lasting friendships and values they carry into adulthood, we intentionally weave connection into every stage of their journey that extends beyond age, background and experience.

 

Hear Katalina's and Maxim's stories for yourself! Enjoy the video below!

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