Camp Fire

In Camp Fire, our core program pillars produce lifelong benefits to the children and their community through finding a sense of belonging, developing a positive identity through their contributions to their group, becoming creative thinkers and problem solvers, and developing a lifelong love of nature.

In Camp Fire camps sometimes kids learn life skills by putting fractions to work as they cook or bake from a recipe, sometimes they learn this through accepting the challenge of a long hike, or by leading a group of younger campers through an exercise in cooperation on a day where everyone is hot and tired.

In afterschool programs, kids practice school day skills for more mastery, take part in readers' theater to develop more fluency in reading, and help with a school garden or a service project that reminds them of the needs of others.

As teen leaders, they arrive early and stay late, ensuring the preparations for the day ahead have been made and that cleanup is done. They learn to exercise voice and choice, making them genuine role models for younger participants. Phones are put away for the day, and initiative emerges as teens learn that their services are needed as they ask "Can I help with this?" Of course they can!

Camp Fire welcomes the opportunity to continue this tradition of service to Long Beach through kids who count and adults who care.

Our Promise
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.

Testimonials

"Out of all the various camps my boys did this summer, your staff was by far, the most in tune and empathetic to my boys. I feel like they really took the time to, not only get to know them/their personalities but also help them along with peer difficulties and having an overall good time/enjoying camp. The staff was genuine and kind and gave me feedback in a respectful, private manner." - Mom of a new camper

"Thank you for being such a wonderful organization." - Parent of a camper

"Camp Fire has given me lifelong opportunities to learn and grow in a caring and dynamic community. Because of Camp Fire, I always have a song in my heart, a smile from a memory, life-long friends, a sense of belonging, and a confidence in myself and my ability to be a leader and a learner who can take on challenges and work with others. I have my own children involved in Camp Fire because I want the same for them. I want them to be a part of a community of peers, young adults, and leaders who they can learn from and who care about them. I want them to get dirty, sing their hearts out, grow strong bodies and sense of self, chop firewood, and consider others in service in their city and in our world. As a former member and camper, to now a parent and co-leader parent volunteer, I see that Camp Fire has been and always will be a cherished part of my identity that has helped me become who I am today. Camp Fire is a gift to our children and the community." - Former youth member, now parent and volunteer

"My 6-year-old son absolutely loves the DeForest Park After School Program. Every day, there are fun, educational activities planned for the kids. The staff are really caring. They have been a lifesaver in giving my son the structured play he needs." - Dad of a Kindergartner at our new North Long Beach location at DeForest Park