BACKGROUND

Our foundation for innovative and cutting-edge programs

Camp Fire has a long impressive history of making significant positive impacts in the lives of the youth, families and communities we serve. The national organization of Camp Fire USA has been in continuous operation since 1910 while local representation has been providing services to Bay Area children and teens since 1919. Over the years, Camp Fire programs have evolved and been innovative in order to successfully address the issues of the youth of the time. We have received several national awards that recognize our continued commitment to provide cutting-edge program opportunities.

In remaining true to our original purpose, Camp Fire USA celebrates diversity. We continue to emphasize the values of inclusiveness throughout all aspects of our programming. The Oakland East Bay Council works as an ally and advocate of all youth. Through our programs, boys and girls are empowered with support, skills, information, and opportunities to aid them in overcoming the biases, oppressions and obstacles that might prevent them from achieving their fullest potential. We represent Camp Fire programs in the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz.

MISSION

Building caring, confident youth and future leaders.

The mission of Camp Fire USA is to build caring, confident youth and future leaders. We believe that

  • Caring Youth have a sense of interdependency with others. They understand that they are a resource for others and that others are a resource for them. They feel connected to others who may or may not be different then themselves;
  • Confident Youth have positive attitudes concerning their personal identities as well as their abilities to achieve success. They feel good about who they are and they know that they have the right to be safe in their identity as well as their environment; and
  • Future Leaders are youth who have developed strong decision-making skills toward resiliency and successful navigation through the various challenges of their lives. They believe that they have some control over the things that happen to them.

CORE VALUES

We Believe in kids

  1. We believe that kids and teens are our most precious resources.

  2. We believe in an approach to youth development that builds assets and empowers individuals.

  3. We believe that the best youth development occurs in small groups where kids and teens are actively involved in creating their own learning.

  4. We are committed to coeducation, providing opportunities for boys, girls and families to develop together.
  5. We provide caring, trained mentors to work with kids and teens.

  6. We are inclusive, welcoming all kids, teens and adults regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or other aspect of diversity.

  7. We respect and celebrate nature.

  8. We foster leadership, engaging kids and teens to give service and make decisions in a democratic society.

  9. We provide safe, fun and nurturing environments for kids and teens.


  10. We enrich parents’ and other adults’ lives by expanding their skills and encouraging them to share their talents and build relationships with kids and teens.

  11. We respond to community needs with our programs and expertise.

  12. We advocate on behalf of kids, teens and families
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