Camp Fire USA, organized into 120 local councils across the nation has over 650,000 kids participating, 46% male and 54% female. Camp Fire is unique because it offers coed programming in club activities. Camp Fire offers a great opportunity for families with both a son and daughter to get together as a unit and enjoy the club program.

With a stated mission to “build caring, confident youth and future leaders,” programs focus on leadership, self-reliance, after-school groups, camping and environmental education, and childcare.

Camp Fire USA’s programs are designed and implemented to reduce gender-role, racial and cultural stereotypes and to foster positive intercultural relationships.

Camp Fire groups are organized by age

• Starflight—Kindergarten-2nd grade

• Adventure—3rd to 5th grade

• Discovery—6th to 8th grade

• Horizon— 9th to 12th grade

Originally founded in 1910 as “Camp Fire Girls,” the organization’s name was subsequently changed to reflect the inclusion of boys starting in 1975. Camp Fire USA is all-inclusive, welcoming children regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, or disability.

Give Service are Camp Fire’s watchwords. One program, “Character Counts,” teaches children their six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Recognition is an important part of all Camp Fire USA programs. For their participation, growth and achievements, many youths receive distinctive items such as beads, emblems, pins, and certificates. All are designed to convey special messages through symbolism, color, design and shape, and each recognition item relates to a particular program level, according to grade or activity.

• Camp Fire costs vary from Councils throughout the states. Program fees are $15 for youth, $10 for adults, and $35 for a family. Members purchase vests ($15 each) or T-shirts ($8 to $15 each) depending on what the club decides. An annual candy sale helps pay for activities in which the groups engage.

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