Camp Fire USA Birthday Week takes place during the second week of March every year and this year it will run from March 13 to 19. Camp Fire has created a visionary and distinctly American program, where youth have a voice, families share meaningful time, and service to others is the measure of every activity. You might remember Camp Fire as Camp Fire Girls or Camp Fire U.S.A.; both names were used during different eras. So, what’s kept them going? Their commitment to diversity and inclusion from the beginning, their incorporation of youth voice in everything they do, and their use of cutting-edge research to best meet the needs of today’s families.

HISTORY OF CAMP FIRE USA BIRTHDAY WEEK

Camp Fire U.S.A., the largest co-ed, nonsectarian youth development organization in the U.S., was founded in 1910 by Luther Gulick, M.D., and his wife Charlotte Vetter Gulick as Camp Fire Girls. As youth leaders, the Gulicks brought to life the idea that each girl’s growth is in her own hands and that she is a person of important worth. Building on these ideals, Camp Fire created a new model for nonprofit youth development — girls as the center of their own learning and development experience.

From its beginnings in Maine, Camp Fire grew rapidly throughout the country during its first decade. In 1974, Camp Fire became an organization where boys and girls could be together to learn skills and values that would help them become healthy adults through programs focused on self-development and teamwork. Over time, the organization has evolved to reach out to all youth, regardless of socioeconomic status or cultural background. The needs of today’s children often require programs that involve the entire family unit rather than just focusing on individual children. They believe that every child deserves an opportunity to succeed in life, and they help them find their special spark — something they’re passionate about — to create their own bright futures.

This week, we are celebrating 114 years of Camp Fire U.S.A. The organization has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Today, Camp Fire welcomes all young people to its programs and continues to thrive with 49 affiliates in 25 states and Washington D.C., serving nearly 150,000 youth each year. Thank you for making Camp Fire what it is today—and leading us into tomorrow. We’re still creating powerful youth experiences to shape kids and teens, give them the opportunity to belong, connect with nature, develop strong relationships, and make positive social change. Light the fire within!