Mission and Vision
We envision a community in which every child has equitable access to the learning opportunities they need to succeed and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
In Camp Fire, children and youth find a safe, fun and inclusive place – a place where they form lasting relationships, develop a sense of belonging and make positive contributions to the lives of their families and their community. Camp Fire youth have life-enhancing experiences and develop assets that are essential to their futures.
Our programs stand out for three key reasons:
- We are uniquely focused on the two periods of greatest brain growth and development: early childhood and early adolescence.
- We leverage the impact of the outdoor environment on the brain to educate and connect children to each other and the world around them.
- We intentionally maintain a continuous improvement loop through the Camp Fire Program Quality Assessment to maximize community impact.
Camp Fire First Texas was founded in 1914. For more than 100 years, the organization has shaped youth and families. From the early days of Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls, the organization has grown into one of the largest councils in the United States with programs for boys and girls that include everything from camping to school readiness. Learn more about our programs.
View our Financials including IRS Form 990 and Annual Reports
Out of School / Youth Development Camp / Outdoor Programs
Early Education Workforce Development Camp Fire Program Location
Based on 2019 Participant data
Our Values
Inclusion
All are welcome at Camp Fire.
Data-Informed Practice
We collect and apply data to continually improve existing – and inspire new – programming.
Growth Mindset
We believe the learning process is equally as important as the learning outcome and that talents can be improved over time.
Collaboration
We go higher together by partnering within the communities we serve.
Hands-On Learning
Learning from experience is a hallmark of all our programs.
Whole Child Approach
We recognize that social-emotional, physical, creative, and academic skills are all intertwined and equally important in learning.
Inclusion
You Belong Here
We offer programs where every young person can be their whole self and connect with others and nature in a safe, affirming environment. We take pride in our long-standing commitment to inclusivity and diversity, no matter the ability, background, race, sexual orientation, gender identities and expression, religion, non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, or any other category people use to define themselves or others.
We were the first multiracial, multicultural, and nonsectarian organization for girls in America when we began in 1910. Today, we strive to continue in that spirit and welcome everyone to Camp Fire.
Camp Fire’s Statement of Inclusion: Camp Fire believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive relationships.
El Tesoro Foundation
The El Tesoro Foundation was established to create a permanent endowment fund to support all of the programs and services of Camp Fire First Texas, not just El Tesoro. The foundation is a perfect vehicle for support through an estate plan. For more information about how you can include Camp Fire in your estate plan, please contact us.
I don’t get stuck because I can always come back to the growth mindset that I learned from Camp Fire…
Jakob D., College Senior; Camp Fire Alum, Former Counselor
