Camp Fire Girls Day - March 17, 2027

Camp Fire Girls Day is marked on March 16 to honor the enduring legacy of Camp Fire, a pioneering youth development organization that has empowered generations of young people through leadership training, outdoor adventures, community service, environmental education, and inclusive programs designed to build confidence, character, and lifelong skills. This day marks the founding of Camp Fire Girls of America in 1912 and its mission to provide equal opportunities for youth development, later evolving into an inclusive organization open to all genders and backgrounds.

National Camp Fire Girls Day History

The early 20th century saw growing recognition that girls deserved structured opportunities for outdoor activity, skill-building, and personal development comparable to those provided by the Boy Scouts of America, founded in 1910. In 1911, William Chauncey Langdon, a pastor in Thetford, Vermont, began organizing summer camp experiences for girls with support from Mrs. Charles Farnsworth and Dr. Luther Gulick and his wife Charlotte Vetter Gulick. These camps emphasized self-reliance, nature appreciation, leadership, and healthy living, quickly gaining popularity.

In 1912, the movement formalized when Camp Fire Girls of America was incorporated as a national organization. The founders chose the name "Camp Fire" to symbolize warmth, community, and shared stories around the glow of a campfire, while the program's structure included age-based ranks, symbolic awards, and a focus on developing practical skills and moral character. The first handbook, published in 1914, outlined activities, ceremonies, and the organization's motto "WoHeLo" (Work, Health, Love).

During World War I, Camp Fire Girls contributed significantly to the home front effort by selling Liberty Bonds, conserving food, knitting garments, and supporting orphans in France and Belgium. Membership grew rapidly, reaching 60,000 by the end of 1913 and continuing to expand through the 1920s and 1930s as the organization established camps, published additional guides, and adapted programs to changing social needs.

The mid-20th century brought further milestones, including the 50th anniversary celebration in 1960 that featured planting two million trees and building 13,000 birdhouses as service projects. In 1975, Camp Fire opened membership to boys, becoming Camp Fire Boys and Girls to reflect its commitment to serving all youth. This change aligned with broader societal shifts toward gender inclusivity while maintaining the organization's core values.

In 2001, the name changed to Camp Fire USA, and in 2012 it simplified to Camp Fire, emphasizing its current focus on leadership development, camping, environmental stewardship, child care learning, and community service programs tailored to local needs. Camp Fire Girls Day emerged to commemorate the 1912 founding and celebrate the organization's pioneering role in youth development, inclusivity, and outdoor education.

Why Camp Fire Girls Day Matters

Creating a Strong Network of Leaders

Camp Fire programs cultivate leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and civic engagement skills that young people carry into adulthood. By celebrating this day, we recognize how investing in youth development creates more compassionate, capable, and proactive citizens who contribute positively to their communities through service projects, environmental initiatives, and future leadership roles. The organization's long history demonstrates that early empowerment yields lasting societal benefits.

Getting Young People Outside to Play

In an era when children increasingly spend time indoors with screens, Camp Fire's emphasis on camping, hiking, nature study, and environmental stewardship becomes even more valuable. National Camp Fire Girls Day reminds families and communities of the physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits of outdoor activities, inspiring more time in natural settings, appreciation for ecosystems, and understanding of conservation needs that affect future generations.

The First Inclusive Youth Organization

Camp Fire holds historic significance as the first national organization specifically created for girls to enjoy outdoor experiences, leadership training, skill-building, and personal growth opportunities previously available only to boys through scouting. This day honors that groundbreaking vision, acknowledges the organization's early commitment to multiracial and multicultural inclusion, and celebrates its ongoing impact on developing confident, capable, and community-minded young people through programs that foster independence, environmental awareness, and service.

How to Celebrate Camp Fire Girls Day

Share Stories and Show Appreciation

Post on social media about Camp Fire memories, either personal experiences or those of family members, using relevant hashtags to spread awareness. Write thank-you notes to former leaders or sponsors, share photos of outdoor activities, or create a display honoring the organization's legacy, helping preserve its history and inspire new generations to participate in youth development programs.

Host Outdoor Activities and Nature Experiences

Organize a family or community outing that reflects Camp Fire values, such as a nature walk, campfire gathering, birdhouse building, tree planting, or simple camping experience. Use the occasion to teach environmental stewardship, share stories about Camp Fire's history, and create positive outdoor memories that connect participants with nature and each other in meaningful ways.

Encourage Youth Participation in Camp Fire Programs

Research local Camp Fire councils or groups and enroll children in age-appropriate programs such as Little Stars, Starflight, Adventure, Discovery, or Horizon levels. Attend informational meetings, volunteer as a leader or helper, or sponsor a child's participation, helping extend Camp Fire's positive influence to more young people while celebrating the organization's impact on leadership and character development.

Facts About Camp Fire

Founding Year

Camp Fire Girls of America was formally incorporated in 1912, becoming the first national organization specifically for girls' outdoor and leadership development.

Early Growth

By the end of 1913, Camp Fire had grown to 60,000 members, demonstrating rapid national interest in the program.

WoHeLo Medallion

The WoHeLo medallion represents the highest honor in Camp Fire, awarded annually to approximately 200 members who exemplify work, health, and love.

Name Evolution

The organization changed names several times: Camp Fire Girls (1912), Camp Fire Boys and Girls (1975), Camp Fire USA (2001), and finally Camp Fire (2012) to reflect inclusivity and current focus.

Service Legacy

During its 50th anniversary in 1960, Camp Fire members planted two million trees and built 13,000 birdhouses as major service projects.

Camp Fire Girls Day Dates