Camp Fire Girls Day: Celebrating a Legacy of Youth Empowerment

Camp Fire Girls Day is an annual celebration honoring the legacy and impact of Camp Fire, a youth development organization founded in 1910. Originally established as Camp Fire Girls of America, the organization has evolved to become an inclusive, co-educational program that empowers young people through outdoor activities, leadership development, and community service.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: March 17
  • Tagged as: Youth empowerment, Outdoor activities, Leadership
  • What’s the hashtag?: #CampFireGirlsDay
  • When was it founded?: 1910
  • Who founded it?: Dr. Luther Halsey Gulick and Charlotte Vetter Gulick

History of Camp Fire Girls Day

Camp Fire Girls Day traces its roots back to the founding of the Camp Fire organization in 1910. Dr. Luther Halsey Gulick and his wife, Charlotte Vetter Gulick, started the movement to provide girls with opportunities for outdoor learning and personal growth similar to those offered to boys through groups like the Boy Scouts. The organization quickly grew, becoming one of the first multiracial, nonsectarian organizations for girls in the United States.

Timeline

1910: Camp Fire Girls founded
1912: First Camp Fire Girls Handbook published
1925: Blue Bird program introduced for younger girls
1975: Organization becomes co-educational
1993: Thrive{ology} program introduced
2012: WoHeLo Medallion established as the highest honor

Camp Fire Girls Day Dates

YearMonth and DateDay
2025March 17Monday
2026March 17Tuesday
2027March 17Wednesday
2028March 17Friday
2029March 17Saturday
2030March 17Sunday

Observed Camp Fire Girls Day

Camp Fire Girls Day is celebrated annually on March 17th. The day honors the organization’s long-standing commitment to personal development and its evolving, forward-thinking mission. It’s a time to reflect on the impact Camp Fire has had on generations of young people and to celebrate the values of leadership, service, and inclusivity that the organization embodies.

Celebrations often include outdoor activities, campfires, and community service projects. Many local Camp Fire councils organize special events to mark the occasion, bringing together current and former members to share stories and experiences.

The day also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the organization’s ongoing programs and to encourage new participation in Camp Fire activities.

Fun Facts About Camp Fire Girls Day

  • Camp Fire was the first nonsectarian, multicultural organization for girls in America
  • The organization became co-educational in 1975, welcoming boys to join
  • Camp Fire has 130 camps throughout the country
  • The WoHeLo medallion is the organization’s highest honor, awarded to about 200 members annually
  • Camp Fire’s programs focus on leadership development, environmental education, and service learning

Quiz

  1. In what year was Camp Fire Girls founded?
  2. Who were the founders of Camp Fire Girls?
  3. When did Camp Fire become co-educational?
  4. What is the name of Camp Fire’s highest honor?
  5. On which date is Camp Fire Girls Day celebrated?

(Answers: 1. 1910, 2. Dr. Luther Halsey Gulick and Charlotte Vetter Gulick, 3. 1975, 4. WoHeLo medallion, 5. March 17)

FAQs

Q: What is Camp Fire?
A: Camp Fire is a youth development organization that offers programs focusing on leadership, outdoor activities, and community service.

Q: Is Camp Fire only for girls?
A: No, Camp Fire has been co-educational since 1975, welcoming both boys and girls.

Q: What age groups does Camp Fire serve?
A: Camp Fire serves youth from preschool age through young adulthood with various programs.

Q: What is the significance of the name “WoHeLo”?
A: WoHeLo stands for Work, Health, and Love, representing Camp Fire’s core values.

Q: How can I get involved with Camp Fire?
A: You can join a local Camp Fire council, volunteer, or participate in Camp Fire programs in your area.

Importance of Camp Fire Girls Day

Camp Fire Girls Day serves as a reminder of the organization’s enduring impact on youth development. It highlights the importance of providing young people with opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and community engagement.

The day celebrates the progress made in gender equality and inclusivity, reflecting on Camp Fire’s evolution from a girls-only organization to one that welcomes all youth. It underscores the value of outdoor experiences and skill-building activities in shaping well-rounded individuals.

Moreover, Camp Fire Girls Day emphasizes the ongoing need for organizations that empower young people to become thoughtful, responsible citizens. It inspires current and future generations to continue the legacy of service, leadership, and environmental stewardship that Camp Fire has championed for over a century.

Related

  • National Girl Scout Day
  • World Campfire Day
  • International Youth Day
  • National Outdoors Month
  • Global Youth Service Day