It’s one thing to hold inclusion as a core value. It’s another to put your values into action.

Camp Fire has a long history of valuing inclusion, both locally and nationally.

Founded in the early 1900’s as the first interracial, nonsectarian, national organization for girls, our definition of inclusion continues to evolve to better serve those in our community. Boys joined our ranks of campers in the 1970’s, and today, we take pride in the safe and welcoming environment that we offer LGBTQ+ youth, and programs for youth with diverse abilities.

Recently, Camp Fire created the Equity Action Fund, which directly supports our ongoing work of connecting more campers, staff and volunteers of color to our programs and mission.

Inspired by the passion and leadership of Camp Fire’s Food Service Director, Chantel Jackson, the fund has already raised enough money to bring a weeklong overnight camp experience to more than 40 kids of color this summer, at no cost to their families.

We are also hosting a weekend-long retreat for families of color this fall, which we hope will help begin to bridge the racial gap seen across the camping industry. I am incredibly proud, along with my wife Deb, to have helped kick off our efforts by making a major gift to this fund.

Thank you to the many supporters who have already joined us. You are making a difference for kids in our community who might otherwise never experience the magic of camp.

I also want to extend special thanks to the hundreds of families who donated all or a portion of their camp fees during the pandemic, when we had to cancel all in-person programming because of COVID. Your generosity is a huge reason why we survived two incredibly difficult years, now emerging stronger and more determined than ever to make Camp Fire a place that truly welcomes all.

Yours in gratitude,

Rick Taylor (he/him)
Executive Director

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