Camp Fire Heart of California | Light the fire within

Our Council & History

1910

Camp Fire was founded in Lake Sebago, Maine by Luther & Charlotte Gulick as America’s first nonsectarian, interracial, national organization for girls.

1918

Camp Fire clubs start up in Madera.

1912

Camp Fire Girls of America is incorporated in Washington, D.C., as a national agency. The Ladies’ Home Journal pronounces, “The Camp Fire Girls of America is likely to become as popular with girls as is the Boy Scouts of America with boys. Already thousands of girls are members…It is unlike any other movement ever organized, and it has in its purpose the most marvelous possibilities for girls that any organization has ever offered.”

19XX

History

19XX

The Madera Council of Camp Fire begins selling mints. Previously, donuts and daffodils had been sold.

1962

The WoHeLo Award becomes Camp Fire’s highest achievement and honor. It stands for “Work, Health, Love” and recipients typically spend two years completing projects that demonstrate leadership, service and advocacy.

1975

Camp Fire becomes coeducational welcoming boys in all programs. Today, 46 percent of the youth served by Camp Fire are boys.

2003

Camp Fire begins translating its new curricula into Spanish. The Spanish-language, 52-week deep curricula for grades K-5 are designed to build social skills and academic competencies within Spanish-speaking communities.

2010

Camp Fire celebrates its Centennial.

20XX

History.

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.

Light the fire within