Campfire USA Birthday Week – March 14, 2027

History of Campfire 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 Montana, 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 112 years of Camp Fire U.S.A. The organization has come a long way from its humble beginnings. They now have programs for both boys and girls, including Camp Fire’s iconic Blue Birds program for kindergarteners, Adventure Clubs for preteens and teens, and the Young Adult Network for people ages 18-35 who want to make a difference in their communities.