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Camp Fire Outdoor Program Philosophy

Camp Fire USA was established with a strong foundation and belief in providing positive outdoor experiences for youth. The Camp Fire USA mission, core values and the belief that children need a connection with the natural world is fundamental to all Camp Fire programs.

Being intentional helps achieve outcomes.

Using specific outcomes identified for the outdoor program and understanding how the natural environment is an intentional part of the program design is essential to helping Camp Fire USA achieve its mission.

We will have succeeded when both parents and children understand the contribution such an outdoor experience has made to their lives…and when boards, funders, volunteers and staff understand how they have contributed to helping young people, as they grow into adults, acquire the skills to be caring, confident youth and future leaders.

Where a child can:

• be truly involved with life;
• model inclusiveness in a diverse group;
• feel in concert with the natural environment;
• know the support of a caring adult;
• have the freedom to be both contemplative and spontaneous;
• develop self-reliance, resourcefulness and a sense of belonging;
• balance mundane tasks with adventure; and
• have a fresh start in life.

Where else can a child:

• have quality life experiences that are sustaining through the trying times;
• test ideas, compete and cooperate;
• share riotous laughter and quiet moments;
• spend time outdoors without fear;
• share the successes and failures of individual and group decisions;
• openly express joy and sadness; and
• become a participating citizen of the world?

All these things can happen together in a Camp Fire USA camp or outdoor program.

To read more about the Camp Fire Outdoor Program Philosophy, download a pdf version here.