Mary Bowker, Grants Manager: Securing Funds & Scholarships From the Helm! One of our amazing behind-the-scenes team leads is Mary Bowker, who serves from the Camp Fire helm as our Grants Manager. For the past eight years, Mary has been making a huge difference, not just as our current grants manager but a past Teen…Continue reading→
In the realm of Camp Fire Central Oregon champions, one of our greatest superheroes is Cece Valceschini! As our program specialist, Cece runs our certified babysitter training, supports Kids Night Out events, and serves as the director of our beloved Tumalo Day Camp. No doubt, Cece’s energy and commitment help these programs thrive. But that’s…Continue reading→
There’s perhaps nothing more inspiring than seeing kids experience sheer joy, and that’s exactly what played out at Absolutely Incredible Kid® Day (AIK Day) on March 20, when a record number of youth—including those from two Camp Fire Afterschool programs—joined us to partake in the national holiday and celebrate Camp Fire’s birthday! In addition to…Continue reading→
Meet Zafiro Larsen (pictured left) and you can’t help but be impressed by this high-energy, deeply caring human being, who, at Camp Fire Central Oregon, also goes by the name of “Sonora.” That word in Latin means “to make sound, or make a noise,” and since joining Camp Fire Central Oregon in June of 2021,…Continue reading→
At Camp Fire Afterschool, embarking on STEM adventures isn’t just about decoding science and math mysteries—it’s an adventure into a realm of real-world wizardry! During a recent STEM-focused afternoon, our crew of afterschool kids at Bend International School dove headfirst into hands-on activities with Ozobots, little tiny robots that are designed to serve as an…Continue reading→
What is a watershed? Where might the location of Whychus Creek’s headwaters be? And at the Creekside Park in Sisters, why are there human-made steps going down to Whychus Creek, as well as fencing aligned with its banks, at Creekside Park in Sisters? These are just a few of the questions posed to a group…Continue reading→
In a heartwarming display of community spirit and compassion, a group of teenagers from Camp Fire Central Oregon’s Teen Connect program recently embarked on a fulfilling volunteering experience at Harmony Farm Sanctuary. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating neglected, unwanted and abused farmed animals, Harmony Farm Sanctuary builds a kinder and more…Continue reading→
This fabulous Community Engagement Coordinator is now heading up our Summertime Teen Offerings … and we’re thrilled to share more about this amazing friend and leader! Camp Fire Central Oregon is super jazzed to announce a role change for one of its current year-round staff members, Nadia Kelem, aka “Poppy.” In a newly created Community Engagement…Continue reading→
You’ve heard us say it many times: Growing up is hard. That’s the why behind everything we do. But when we say hard…just how hard are we talking? Right now, really hard. Like, clinically hard. We’re in a youth mental health crisis, and one of the underlying causes is trauma. What is trauma? The National…Continue reading→
We really, really need your story. Here’s why. Happy Alumni Month! Gather ‘round the crackling fire with us…watch the flames dance as the smell of smoke and crisp night air billows up into a starry sky. Snuggle up in a fleece blanket, perhaps the warmth of a hot chocolate or a ‘smore kisses your tongue,…Continue reading→
Young people want to shape the world.
Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are.
In Camp Fire, it begins now.
