Welcome to camp fire
Learn About Summer Adventure Program!
April 12, 2018 by
For those new to our Summer Adventure Program, we’ve got a video for you! It’s just over a minute, so press play and let those images of sunshine and laughter warm you.
Summer Adventure Program Details
Licensed Full-Day Program, June 4th – August 3rd
Flexibility: Register by the day, week, or the whole summer!
Hours: Programs run from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (6:30 in Eagle River)
Friends: Your camper will likely already know many of the other kids.
CCA: This program accepts child care assistance payments.
Ages: Entering grades 1 – 7
Locations: Denali, Homestead, and Abbott Loop elementary schools. Community Center families will be served at Loussac.
Contact:
Denali is 717-4341
Homestead is 744-7164
Abbott Loop is 891-2691
Loussac is 338-1954
It’s never too early to start inventing and discovering who you are. For Career Week, campers become CEOs and must design and implement their own business. This session will culminate in our annual Lemonade Day sale, when youth will put their new business savvy into practice!
Summer Adventure’s Promise
Regardless of whether your child enrolls for a day, a week, or the whole summer, we consistently offer developmentally appropriate programs that feature:
1. Healthy Futures Challenge: Designed to promote physical activity. Youth will be rewarded for logging their physical activity, which has been shown to promote awareness of healthy lifestyles.
2. STEM Activities: Engaging and surprising STEM activities will be packed into each and every session.
3. Art Instruction: We are delighted to announce that we will be partnering with Arctic Crown Canvas to bring professional art instruction to our Summer Adventure Programs.
Register Now!
Positive Words Go A Long Way
March 23, 2018 by
At Camp Fire, every day is about helping kids thrive. But we wanted to take one day a year to really do it BIG. That’s why we started Absolutely Incredible Kid Day in 1997. Every year in March, thousands of adults across the country join Camp Fire in lifting up young people with the simple power of words.
Yes, words. I ask you to join me and use your voice. A few simple words can change the way kids see themselves, their strengths, and even their futures. When we focus on words that are encouraging and kind, it is amazing the positive impact they can have.
When was the last time you told the incredible kids in your life how special they are? Even if you don’t have a child of your own, surely you know one—a niece, neighbor, student, or friend. Please join me and Camp Fire Alaska as we celebrate Absolutely Incredible Kid Day today, March 23. It is a simple, meaningful way to let kids know how much they are appreciated.
Write a letter, post a picture, share a special memory, call and say “You are incredible!” The medium doesn’t matter but the message does: You are incredible just the way you are. Be specific, make it personal, keep it up—not just today, but every week of the year. Those few simple words of encouragement on a regular basis can literally change a young person’s life.
I get to meet incredible kids every day as part of my job. They tell me how they can’t wait until Friday because they get to make homemade pancakes for snack. They show me the Valentine’s they have made and the socks they have tie-dyed to send to kids in refugee camps overseas. They take my hand and tour me around so they can tell me exactly what’s happening in their after school program.
To all my Camp Fire Kids, I say:
“You are absolutely incredible. You are inspiring because of your commitment to collecting pennies for others in need. You are an example of what it means to be accepting of those who are different than you. You are the future, and I am encouraged that our world will be a brighter place because of you.”
Now it’s your turn. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every kid in Alaska got a letter of encouragement today? Imagine the possibilities when kids are supported by caring adults.
Barb Dubovich
CEO, Camp Fire Alaska
Is Your Child Ready for Summer Camp?
March 10, 2018 by
When to start sending your child to overnight camp is a decision that depends on you and your child. A mature six year old might be ready to go, while some ten year olds might not be quite ready. Sometimes, “he’s not ready for camp” actually means you’re not ready. It’s a big step! To help you navigate this decision, we’ve pulled together some tips from experts in the field.
Advice from Peg Smith, former CEO of the American Camp Association
Parents should consider whether their child has been away from them overnight before, either with friends or family members, and how they have handled those separations. Really, it’s the child’s expectations that will drive the experience, and determine your confidence in them. I remember my son wanted to go to camp when he was about seven, and I had this bubble over my head saying ‘you’re not ready to do that.’ But he was. Talking to the child about camp and what their expectations are can help you decide if they understand what camp is, and if they’re ready to go.
How Your Camper Will Benefit
By Katie Adrian, Camp Fire’s former Manager of Camp K on Kenai Lake
Every camp experience provides opportunities for campers to build their social and emotional skills, and practice how to engage with their peers and with adults in a productive way that will carry over into their interactions at home, school, and in the community. From team building and get to know you games to challenging new activities and familiar favorites, camp is full of ways for youth to build self-confidence and independence.
You can help ease this transition for your camper by taking them out on a hike or sleeping in a tent in your backyard before sending them on the bus to camp. Sharing photos of camp also helps prepare your child for what camp will be like. No matter what you might be feeling as a parent, showing your child that you are excited for their amazing adventure will help them feel excited, too!
Camp is an amazing place to build new friendships and meet caring adults. As soon as a camper has built a connection to another person or activity at camp, any feelings of homesickness melt away and are replaced with independence, competence, and a sense of excitement about upcoming adventures. Families new to the camp experience are encouraged to call the Camp Fire office and speak to me about all of the awesome activities we offer at Camp Fire.
For Camp K’s session dates, rates, and more: Click Here!
Register for October’s In-Service and Conference Days
September 20, 2017 by
Camp Fire will be hosting programs on October 20th, and 25th-27th during in-service and conference days. Conference Day Programs on October 25 & 26 are offered at your regular site. In-Service Day Programs on October 20 & 27 are offered at five host sites. Please refer to the chart below to determine your site location. Both full and half days must be registered for in advance and separately from your regular plan. Please click here to register.
Registration is currently open for the entire 2017-2018 school year, including all scheduled school closure days. Don’t shy away from registering for Spring Break! Space is limited.
To determine your October In-Service Site: Find your child’s Camp Fire site in the right column. Their October in-service site will be listed immediately to the right.
To read more about Camp Fire’s Scheduled School Closure Program, including program rates and other enrollment details, click here.
For additional questions, please contact our main office at (907) 279 – 3551.
Register Now for the 2017-2018 School Year
June 30, 2017 by
July is all about summer camp fun and being outside (and we’re having a blast at our summer camps!), but it’s also time to prepare for the coming school year. Registration is open for Camp Fire’s Before and After School programs at all 29 school locations. Many sites are close to being full, so register now to secure your spot.
Click here to learn more or register online.
Don’t hesitate to call our main office at 907-279-3551 with any questions you have.
Enjoy your summer!
Help Send a Kid to Camp
June 28, 2017 by
Each summer, Camp Fire Alaska provides support for families who cannot afford to send their children to summer camp. We want to make sure that no child is turned away due to lack of funds, and we can only do that with help from the community.
We have kids ready to pack their bags for camp, but we need your help.
Please consider making a donation to Camp Fire’s 2017 Campership Fund, so we can tell them to grab their gear and come to camp! A gift of $380 will send a child to Camp K on Kenai Lake for a week. A $285 donation will provide a week of day camp at Camp Si-La-Meo.
Your gift of any amount — $25, $50 or $100 is important, needed, and deeply appreciated!
Click here to make an online donation.
Camp is a powerful experience for all kids, but the impact on youth who have fewer opportunities is even more powerful. Thank you so much for your generous support.
Meet Our Summer Leadership Staff
May 8, 2017 by
For 2017, we have an experienced team of leaders heading up Camp K on Kenai Lake, Camp Si-La-Meo, and our Rural Alaska Program. Together, they bring more than 30 years of experience to this summer. We invite you to meet them below and encourage you to contact them to learn more about their program or ask any questions you may have.
 I am especially looking forward to introducing some great new Leave No Trace activities at Camp K. I am a self-proclaimed Lorax - "I speak for the trees!" | Katie Adrian - Camp Director, Camp K on Kenai Lake I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!) and spent many summers at camp in my childhood. I have 9 summers of experience working at both overnight and day camps, and I first started working with Camp Fire in 2010 at Camp K. The camp stole my heart, and I spent the next three summers there. In 2013, I became the Camp Director at Camp Si-La-Meo, and this year I'm excited about returning to Camp K! I am certified as an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor, a National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Instructor, and an Alaska Master Naturalist. Since 2014, I have volunteered with the American Camp Association as a Standards Associate Visitor, and it has been invaluable to learn about other camp programs and bring all of that knowledge back to Camp Fire. My favorite part of working at Camp K is helping campers build a community of peers with guidance from adults who truly care about them. I believe that camp provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn about yourself and build up the confidence to take on whatever challenges come your way. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have! kadrian@campfireak.org |
 I am beyond enthusiastic to create a place this summer where your children will have the opportunity to grow... | Will Day - Camp Director, Camp Si-La-Meo Hello! This year will be my third summer with Camp Fire Alaska and my seventh year working at summer camps. I studied anthropology at Hawaii Pacific University and later obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Studies at Alaska Pacific University. At APU, I concentrated on expedition, group management and leadership. I am a certified Wilderness First Responder and a Level 2 Sea Kayak Instructor. My relationship with summer camping began as a child, when I attended a small over-night camp in Colorado. Memories of that experience prompted me to become a Camp Counselor with the YMCA's Camp Shady Brook. It was then that I first witnessed (and felt) the powerful impact that camp can have on children and young adults; I watched kids and staff grow more positively in two weeks then I'd seen anyone develop in a year of schooling. I am beyond enthusiastic to create a place this summer where your children will have the opportunity to grow in that way, learning life-long skills that will help them to become self-sufficient, positive, contributing adults. I look forward to getting to know you and your campers this summer! wday@campfireak.org |
 I look forward to 96 weeks of camp coming to rural communities throughout Alaska this summer! | Melanie Hill - Rural Alaska Program Manager My name is Melanie Hill (known as "Raven Squirrel" at camp), and I am the Manager of Rural and School Age Programs here at Camp Fire Alaska. My love of the outdoors began as a child growing up on a small farm in Northeast Ohio. I graduated with my B.A. in Zoology and Anthropology from Ohio Wesleyan University where my studies focused on environmental conservation and indigenous peoples. My early experiences provided opportunities to work with youth and communities in Vietnam, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, but after university, I discovered camp and the unique environment which fosters opportunities for growth and change. I have spent the last 12 years working professionally in the camping industry, overseeing outdoor education, conferences and retreat, and summer camp programs. The past six years have been with Camp Fire Alaska, helping grow and develop both Camp K and Rural Programs. While I will greatly miss working with the youth, staff, and partner agencies at Camp K, this year I am looking forward to the opportunity to focus on the growing rural program. mhill@campfireak.org |
Summer Camps for Teens
April 14, 2017 by
Is your teen ready for an adventure beyond camp? We have expanded our camps for teenagers this year to include four sessions at Camp K on Kenai Lake and a special Teen Trek session at Camp Si-La-Meo. Check out these great adventures!  | Camp Si-La-Meo Teen Trek, ages 13-15, June 19-23 / $300 Camp Si-La-Meo isn't just for kids! With Camp Si-La-Meo as their base, Teen Trek campers set out for adventures that take them into Alaska's beautiful natural world. Each day is full of activities that build outdoor living skills and develop teamwork and leadership abilities. At the end of the week, they work together to plan, prep and pack for an overnight camping experience. For beginning wilderness campers, this trip is a great opportunity to prepare for a longer, back country Teen Trek at Camp K. |
 | Camp K Trailblazers Teen Trek: Ages 13-17, July 16-22 / $425 The Trailblazers Teen Trek is an introduction to overland, backcountry travel. In order to hoof it over Johnson Pass, campers will learn to plan, prepare and cook meals; organize a backpack; live out of tents; and read the weather, all while having fun as they work together to accomplish their goal. |
 | Camp K Voyagers: Ages 13-17, July 8-14 or July 23-29 / $425 During the Voyagers Teen Trek, campers will be introduced to back country, cold water travel. They will learn to plan, prepare and cook meals; pack and paddle a canoe; live out of tents; read the weather; and, most importantly, to work together as a team. |
 | Camp K Challengers: Ages 10-16, July 6-14 / $540 Designed for older campers, this extended session is packed full of exciting challenges and skill building. Advanced target sports, hiking, boating, and camping activities take campers out of camp for longer periods - providing even more opportunities to experience new things and grow. |
 | Camp K's LIT Program: Ages 16-17, June 4-30 / no cost. Does your teen feel too old to be a camper? If so, they may be ready to step into a leadership position. The LIT program is a multi-week opportunity for older teens to enhance leadership skills, co-lead camp experiences for younger campers, and gain readiness skills for college and the workplace. LIT's spend an extended time at camp, but come home each weekend. Learn more/apply here. |
REGISTER NOW!
2017 Camper Referral Competition
March 5, 2017 by
Camp Fire community, it’s time to do what you do best — spread the word about our amazing camping programs!
Our Camper Referral Competition 2017 has begun! This year, you have the chance to win one of three fantastic prizes. You get a new entry for every camper you refer—the more campers you recruit, the greater your chances of winning!
Prize 1: A three-day motorhome rental from ABC Motorhome Rentals
Prize 2: Four roundtrip railroad tickets from Anchorage to Seward on the Alaska Railroad
Prize 3: Reservations for four in a painting class with Christina Wilson.
Please note:
– Recruited campers must be NEW to Camp Fire’s summer programs this year and they must register before May 15th.
– To qualify, the referring party must have been registered in a Camp Fire program within the past two years.
– The registering parent must include your name in the “Referred by someone? Tell us who!” field of our online registration form.
– Winners will be announced the first week of June.
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