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Our Philosophy
Nearly a
century of experience as a leader in providing programs and
services to youth and their families has allowed Camp Fire USA
to carve out a unique niche in the youth development movement
in America.
We serve youth of all races, religions, socioeconomic status,
disability, sexual orientation or other aspect of diversity.
Camp Fire USA’s coeducational programs help both girls
and boys cultivate their unique talents and skills. More importantly,
Camp Fire offers all families, whatever family may look like
in today’s society, life-enhancing experiences and the
opportunity to serve, play and grow together. We believe that
the best youth development takes place in small group environments
where youth have an opportunity to interact with adults and
other youth in a safe, fun environment that allows them to
develop personal skills and ongoing relationships with others
in the group.
Five essential elements drive every program we offer:
- We are youth-centered. Youth take an active role
in determining program content and activities. Young people’s
accomplishments are recognized and rewarded within the group
and community. Personal skill building and decision-making,
critical components of all programming, progressively build
confidence and leadership in youth. This foundation enables
youth to be leaders with their peers, with younger youth
and in the community.
- We engage the entire family in fun and outcome-rich
activities. We are youth-centered and family-focused.
We believe that, since Camp Fire USA programs are youth-centered
and youth live in the families and the larger community,
our programs should be designed to include the whole family,
valuing whatever form family takes in today’s society.
Camp Fire is unique in that it offers an opportunity for
the entire family to belong and to join together in fun
and enriching activities at all levels. We encourage parents,
extended family members and other members of the community
to routinely interact with the youth and to develop their
own parenting and mentoring skills through their relationship
with Camp Fire.
- We are welcoming and inclusive. We invite children,
youth and adults regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic
status, disability, sexual orientation or other aspect of
diversity. Camp Fire USA programs are designed to provide
coeducational activities for all youth. Youth find a safe
and inclusive place to explore the uniqueness of who they
are, to master important life skills, to share with peers
and adults, and to develop assets that experts assert are
essential to the process of building character and maturity.
We require no oath or participation in rituals that may
create barriers to inclusiveness.
- We build youth and adult partnerships. Camp Fire
USA programs are about doing “with” youth, not
about delivering “to” youth. Youth and adults
work together in partnership to design, implement and evaluate
what they do. Through participation where they have voice
and direction, Camp Fire youth form lasting relationships,
a sense of belonging and appreciation, and a feeling of
emotional commitment by adults, both inside and outside
the family circle. Research shows that young people in the
early years need opportunities to be involved in positive
activities with parents and family members. As they mature,
they need the support of caring adults outside the family
circle. Camp Fire programming is designed to provide opportunities
to build those lasting relationships with parents and with
other adults.
- We provide service to others.From its early history,
Camp Fire USA has been known as a service organization.
That is still true today. Service is a major component of
all Camp Fire programs. Councils provide innovative and
diverse programs that are responsive to specific needs of
their community and engage the support and cooperation of
other community leaders and organizations in their efforts.
Camp Fire provides youth and families with an awareness
of the community and its needs and an opportunity to participate
in the initiation, planning and execution of service projects
to meet those needs. Through service, young people can make
a positive difference in their lives and in the lives of
their families and their communities.
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