Camp Fire Founders' Day

Camp Fire Founders' Day

March 17

The organization originally known as the Camp Fire Girls was founded on March 17, 1910, around the same time that the Boy Scout movement was getting its start in Great Britain ( see Boy Scouts' Day). Now it is coeducational and is known as Camp Fire USA. The organization stresses self-reliance, and membership is divided into five different age levels, ranging from Sparks (pre-school) to Horizon (grades 9-12). Skilled adults work with these young people in small groups, helping them to become acquainted with nature's secrets and to learn a variety of crafts. Interaction with adults is also emphasized as a way of learning about career choices, hobbies, and other interests.
Camp Fire's founding is observed by the group's members as part of Camp Fire Boys and Girls Birthday Week . The Sunday nearest March 17 is Camp Fire Boys and Girls Birthday Sunday and is a day when Camp Fire Boys and Girls worship together and participate in their church or temple services.

CONTACTS:
Camp Fire USA
1100 Walnut St., Ste. 1800
Kansas City, MO 64106-2197
816-285-2010; fax: 816-285-9444
www.campfireusa.org

SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 46

Celebration day: Mar 17