Discover sparks, gain self-confidence, and learn life-changing life skills to thrive now! Thrive{ology} is our research-based program framework founded on the pillars of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and it works:
01.
CONNECTION
When young people are thriving, they are connected to others, to nature, and to themselves with a loving awareness of their identities, dreams, passions, and needs.
02.
WHOLE SELF
They are invited to imagine their whole selves and to learn, grow, and achieve in a self-determined, purpose-driven way.
03.
A PLACE TO SIMPLY BE
For young people in particular, finding a place where they can simply be – where they can exist fully – can be very difficult, especially when who they are is challenged by society.
04.
RELATIONSHIPS & SUPPORT
That’s why Camp Fire designs identity-affirming, accessible environments in which youth can experience the relationships,fun, inspiration, acceptance, safety, and support they need in order to thrive.
WE’RE ALL ABOUT THE NOW
Most youth organizations talk about preparing kids for the future or future leadership positions. This is great, but we believe kids and teens are leaders now. They don’t need to wait for the future to shape the world.
We help youth be the best 7-year-old they can be, or the best 17-year-old. We guide kids and teens of all ages to boost their confidence and unlock their potential so they can thrive—where they are now.
Thrive{ology} is our research-based approach to teaching every kid or teen how to be a better friend, student, son, daughter, member of society, sister, brother…today.
Every Camp Fire program uses Thrive{ology} to teach youth to identify sparks, develop a growth mindset, learn goal management, and take time to reflect.
As they learn these life-changing life skills, kids and teens are also more likely to:
Have a sense of purpose
Achieve their full potential
Demonstrate social confidence
Lead a healthy lifestyle
Be environmentally conscious
Stay in school
TRAINED, CARING STAFF
We call our highly trained staff and volunteers Spark Champions. Their mentoring is key to supporting your kids, helping them thrive, and unlocking these critical life skills.
Youth need people in their lives who challenge growth, provide support, share power, and expand possibilities. By providing this support and challenge, Camp Fire’s leaders serve a foundational role in building youth’s ability to thrive.
Youth also see Camp Fire staff as their spark champions. In a 2018 survey, 83% of youth said adults in Camp Fire encourage them to explore the things they are interested in, and 82% of youth said adults in Camp Fire help them solve problems instead of telling them what to do.
We’re experts at what we do, and we care about developing thriving, successful youth!
INCLUSION
We welcome every kind of kid, from every kind of family, from every walk of life.
We take pride in our long-standing commitment to inclusivity and diversity, no matter the ability, background, race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, non-religion, or any other category people use to define themselves or others.
We were the first multiracial, multicultural, and nonsectarian organization for girls in America when we began in 1910, and today we strive to continue in that spirit welcoming anyone and everyone to Camp Fire.
Camp Fire’s Statement of Inclusion: Camp Fire believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive relationships.
See our National President and CEO Cathy Tisdale’s 2012 piece in The New York Times,It Pays to Be Inclusive.
Camp Fire connects young people to the outdoors, to others, and themselves
Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are.
