Camp Fire Girls 1910-1975
Camp Fire Girls was founded in 1910 (Lone Star Council in Dallas in 1913) as the first non-sectarian organization for girls in the United States. The founders Luther Gulick, M.D. and his wife, Charlotte Gulick, chose the name Camp Fire because the origin of the first communities revolved around campfires.
In 1912, the “Blue Bird” program is officially introduced for younger girls. On Camp Fire’s 50th anniversary, the “She cares…Do You?” program is started where more than 2 million trees were planted, 13,000 bird houses built and several other conservation tasks were completed. Due to the overwhelming success of the program, a commemorative stamp is issued and a major conservation effort starts.
Camp Fire Boys & Girls 1975-2001
In 1975, Camp Fire Girls is changed to Camp Fire Boys and Girls. Camp Fire expands its horizons and encourages boys to participate in all Camp Fire activities. The introduction of the new, coed “Adventure” program for third- through fifth-graders completes the task of program revisions focusing on the inclusion of boys. In this club level, children experience activities focused on the outdoors, creativity, family and community. In 1988, Camp Fire introduces “Teens in Action” to energize the older service-learning youth program. In 1996, the focus starts to turn toward a different demographic. The DeWitt Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund awards Camp Fire a $1 million grant that helps bring youth development programs to thousands of young people who live in low-income communities. In, 2000, Camp Fire introduces the “Community Family Club” small-group model, designed to provide parents and other caring community adults the opportunity to interact positively with children and teens.
Camp Fire USA 2001-present
In 2001, Camp Fire councils start branding themselves as Camp Fire USA. In addition to the new brand, a new slogan is adopted, “Today’s kids. Tomorrow’s leaders.” Over the next few years, Camp Fire USA worked to launch the Community Family Club (CFC) program throughout all of its councils and adapt its curriculum to the Spanish speaking community. Celebrating 100 years in 2010 Camp Fire USA held celebrations throughout the year with its councils. Over the next 100 years, the goal is to provide services for more families throughout the United States.