What is Camp Fire USA?

Mission Statement:
Camp Fire USA builds caring, confident youth and future leaders.

Camp Fire Purpose
The purpose of Camp Fire USA is to provide, through a program of informal education, opportunities for youth to realize their potential and to function as caring, self-directed individuals responsible to themselves and to others; and as an organization, to seek to improve those conditions in society which affect youth.

12 Core Values

1. We believe that children and youth 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 children and youth are actively involved in creating their own learning.
4. We are committed to coeducation, providing opportunities for boys and girls and families to develop together.
5. We provide caring, trained mentors to work with children and youth.
6. We are inclusive, welcoming children, youth and adults regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or other aspect of diversity.
7. We foster leadership, engaging children and youth to give service and make decisions in a democratic society.
8. We provide safe, fun and nurturing environments for children and youth.
9. We enrich parents' and other adults' lives by expanding their skills and encouraging them to share their talents and build relationships with children and youth.
10. We respond to community needs with our programs and expertise.
11. We advocate on behalf of children, youth and families.

Camp Fire Law
Worship God,
Seek Beauty,
Give Service,
Pursue Knowledge,
Be Trustworthy,
Hold Fast Onto Health,
Glorify Work,
Be Happy!

Heart of Oklahoma History - 

Camp Fire USA is the outgrowth of a unique summer camping program developed by Dr. and Mrs. Luther Halsey Gulick in 1910.  In large full bloomers, white middies and blue ties, a group of girls spent two summers at Lake Sebago, Maine, in a program of fire building, cooking, sewing, bed making, singing, Indian Lore and folk dancing.  The success of the program and the need for an ongoing year-round activity for girls led to the founding of the first national, non-sectarian organization for girls in the United States.

The name, Camp Fire Girls, was chosen from among hundreds suggested. The word camp symbolizes the outdoor spirit of the organization. Fire symbolizes the home, the place of comfort and cheer. 

As early as 1913, small groups of girls in Oklahoma City met as Camp Fire Girls.  And, at the request of the Oklahoma City School Board, Camp Fire programs were used as extra curricular activities in the Oklahoma City schools.  In 1926, the groups of girls in Oklahoma City were formally organized the as a charter council.

In 1929, the Oklahoma City Council of Camp Fire Girls was incorporated under the laws of the State of Oklahoma.  The first office was located in the McEwan-Halliburton Department Store.  The part-time secretary was Mildred Clark and Grace Hartnell became the executive secretary.

By 1934, the office had moved to the Commerce Exchange Building and Lou B. Paine was named executive director.  The next move was space in the Y.M.C.A. building and from there, the Camp Fire Girls had an office on Western Ave.  In December 1968, the council moved into its own beautiful home at 717 NE 21st Street, purchased with the proceeds of the annual candy sale.

In 1975, as part of the New Day Program, membership was open to boys; and, in 1979, the name of the national organization was officially changed to Camp Fire, Inc.

The name of the Oklahoma City Council was officially changed to the Heart of Oklahoma Council of Camp Fire on June 1, 1986 to reflect the various towns and cities in the expanding jurisdiction.

In the late 1980’s, the organization changed its name to Camp Fire Boys and Girls to identify itself as a coed organization.  And, in 1988, the Blue Birds program level name was dropped and the grade levels were changed to:  Starflight, grades K – 2; Adventure, grades 3 – 5; Discovery, grades 6 – 8; and Horizon, grades 9 – 12.  The Blue Bird was retained as a mascot for the organization.  New uniforms were royal blue slacks and skirts, red or blue vests and white polo shirts.

The early 1990’s saw many councils nationwide merge in an effort to assist smaller councils and to increase the image of Camp Fire as a larger organization. During this time, the council grew with the mergers of the Norman, Lawton, Ardmore, Perry, Ada, and in 2003, the Cross Timbers Council (Shawnee).

In March, 1991, a vision of the future became a reality when the council moved into a new headquarters and training center on the grounds of Camp DaKaNi in north Oklahoma City.

In addition to new names for the organization, Camp Fire sought to become the premier organization for youth and families.  Programs grew from camp and clubs to Child Care and In-School programs to Teens In Action.  The council developed local programs as outreach and service to the community.  In 1992, through a partner-ship with several community agencies and the Oklahoma City Schools, Camp Fire launched its program for homeless children, Positive Tomorrows.  In 1999, a teen pregnancy prevention program, (S.M.A.R.T.,) was developed for middle school students.    Outdoor Classroom was another new program that was initiated.  Classes for grade school students in nature study, environmental sciences and outdoor experiential learning were conducted in the new Nature Center, which was built in June 2000, on the grounds on Camp DaKaNi.  

On August 23, 2001, the national organization took a monumental step and re-branded the organization as Camp Fire USA.  A new logo accompanied the name change.  The local council’s name then became Camp Fire USA Heart of Oklahoma Council.

In 2005, the newest national program, Little Stars, expanded its membership to include 3 and 4 year olds.

Membership - 

Camp Fire USA is open to all boys and girls, Pre-K – 12th grades, and adult volunteers     regardless of race, gender, creed, religion, national origin, disabilities, or economic status.

Service Area - 

Area	Regional Manager
Area #1 - Polaris North: Edmond, Deer Creek, Cashion, Kingfisher, Piedmont, Luther, Far North OKC	Susan Williams (405) 478-5646 x 13 susanw@campfireusa-ok.org
Area #2 - Mini SkuYa: Midwest City, Del City, Harrah, Choctaw, Nicoma Park, NE OKC, NE Oklahoma County	(405) 478-5646
Area #3 - NuKiCi: South OKC, Moore, Mustang, Norman, Blanchard, Tuttle, Newcastle, Noble, El Reno	(405) 478-5646
Area #4: Ada, Konawa, & surrounding communities.	Chandra Sampson 580-332-1360 adacampfire@sbcglobal.net
Area #5: Perry, Stillwater, Mulhall-Orlando	Betty Dillon 580-536-3253 Betty_Dillon@sbcglobal.net
Area #6: Guthrie, Langston, Coyle	Keri Rosebrook-Weuste (405) 478-5646 x12 keri@campfireusa-ok.org
Area #7 - Western Outpost: NW OKC, Bethany, Putnam City, Yukon, Surrey Hills	Susan Williams (405) 478-5646 x 13 susanw@campfireusa-ok.org
Area #8 - Shawnee: Shawnee, Bethel Acres, Tecumseh, Dale, Asher, Seminole, McLoud	(405) 478-5646
Area #9: Ardmore, Lone Grove, Springer, & surrounding communities	Margaret Gilbert 580-223-5889 campfireusa@sbcglobal.net