Bringing summer camp to rural communities across Alaska for nearly 60 years
Camp Fire's relationship with rural Alaska began in 1964, in response to the year's massive earthquake. With the support of a national Camp Fire Fund, volunteers and supplies were sent to deliver programming in impacted communities so adults could devote their full energy to cleanup and reconstruction. As communities rebuilt, Camp Fire’s Rural Alaska Program continued and expanded.
We have visited thousands of Alaskans in nearly 100 communities, and our program continues to grow and expand. We bring the staff, the supplies, the food and the fun, while we strive to emphasize the importance of healthy life choices, reducing high-risk behaviors, and encouraging community engagement wherever we go.
There are no activities like this at the local level—it only occurs when Camp Fire is in town. It means a lot to me because the youth enjoy these activities for one month out of the year.
Roland in Kongiganak
Camp Fire did an amazing job. They give a tremendous amount and release positive vibes every day.
Roberta in Chevak
The kids love Camp Fire and the staff really bonded with them. The kids love how staff spend extra time to teach them things.
Cheryl in Napaskiak
My eyes are opening. By delivering meals, I am learning who my Elders are.
Sophie, age 14
Join Us—Rural Alaska is waiting
Interested in having Camp Fire come to your community? Contact Our Rural Team by email or at (907) 257-8811.
To become a partner and help support our program. Contact Melissa Webber, Director of Development at (907) 257-8820.
The Camp Fire Alaska main office operates on the ancestral land of the Dena’ina people. Camp Fire Alaska runs programing on the lands of the Athabascan, Yup’ik, Chup’ik, Sougpiaq, and Inupiaq peoples. We value and thank them for their current and historic commitment to and protection of this land. We pledge to assist, in partnership, in the environmental stewardship of these lands. We strive to learn more about the history of the Native peoples of Alaska and the historic trauma they have suffered. We commit to being an active ally through activities, actions, and organizational decisions and practices. We understand that this is a dynamic process through which our Land Acknowledgement practices, and statement will evolve as we receive feedback from tribal partners and acquire a deeper understanding of and from the Native peoples of Alaska.
