Camp Fire

Programs: As america's first nonsectarian, multicultural organization for girls, camp fire girls was founded in 1910 as a program to guide young people on their journey to self-discovery, providing experiences which taught them how to care for themselves, the environment, and the people around them. In 1975, the organization became co-ed, changing its name to camp fire boys and girls. The centennial anniversary in 2010 was marked by another name change, now simply camp fire and a commitment to empowering youth, igniting change in their lives and lives of their families, and responding to the needs of the communities it served. Locally camp fire can trace activity in the greater lakeland area back to 1918. The sunshine council was established and became incorporated in 1951. The council was renamed during the centenial to camp fire sunshine central florida and currently serves the central florida corridor with the majority of activity taking place in the greater polk county area. Camp fire believes the best learning takes place in small group settings using nationally or locally developed curriculum to meet or exceed programmatic goals. Through time spent with trained adult staff and volunteers, youth find their individual sparks, increase knowlege and skills and develop goal setting abilities. As children get older, they are empowered to become leaders within camp fire and the community. Camp fire believes that every moment is a "teachable moment- and we strive to help children connect the dots in their day-to-day lives. Camp fire is inclusive and welcoming of all, embracing the uniqueness of each youth and family we serve ultimately providing a safe, fun environment and sense of belonging among participants. On average, sixty-five percent of the youth served come from financially at-risk families. Children, teens, and families are encouraged to participate in council camping trips, service projects, and other special interest or enhancement activities offered throughout the year. Childhood programs children (pre-k through 5th grade) gain the skills needed to academically succeed through steam-based (science, technology, engineering, art, math) and environmental education programs. Curriculum correlates with age- appropriate florida standards. Hands-on experimentation provides a working knowledge of the world around them. Children increase confidence and self-motivation during projects where they explore, observe, and reflect. Programs are divided into two areas of service, out-of-school time and environmental/camp, and include among other things a summer day camp, an afterschool enrichment program, and a school holiday program. Programs are geared to specific ages of children, groups of youth, and interests or needs of the family. Involvement varies and may range from occasional to constant ongoing participation. Teen programs teens (6th-12th grade) learn to set and manage goals, develop a growth mindset, and gain leadership and project management skills; all of which help improve their academic performance and attendance in school and ultimately lead to a stronger workforce in the future. Camp fire helps teens thrive by understanding the meaning of boundaries and the importance of personal responsibility through programs and service projects that require real-life problem solving skills. Camp fire teens regularly volunteer throughout the community providing thousands of hours of sweat equity for other organizations to reach their goals while teens gain better understanding of the services they provide. Programs are divided into three areas of service, teen service/leadership, out-of-school time, and environmental/camp, and have a multitude of activities, camps, and service projects offered within each division. Programs are for teens and are geared to specific ages, groups of teens, or interests. Involvement varies by teen and/or project, and may range from occasional to constant, ongoing participation. Programs are often teen- driven from concept to implementation.