Frequently Asked questions
What age groups does Camp Fire serve?
Camp Fire Inland Southern California primarily serves youth in TK through middle school. We
also offer volunteer opportunities for high school students who are interested in gaining
leadership experience.
How many youth do you serve each year?
Each year, Camp Fire Inland Southern California serves more than 1,000 youth through our
school-based and community programs, providing engaging and enriching experiences in a
supportive environment.
What does a typical day in the program look like?
Our programs are designed to balance academics, physical activity, and enrichment.
A typical day includes check-in, a healthy snack, organized physical activities, homework
support or academic time, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities. These may include pep squad, ballet folklórico, cheer, hip hop, Latin dance, Lego robotics, soccer, basketball, drones, STEM projects, culinary arts, arts and crafts, iMovie, singing, jazz, tap, gardening club, green team recycling, e-sports, and running club.
How do I enroll my child?
Enrollment varies depending on the school. For all ELOP and ASES programs, your child
MUST be enrolled at the school where the program is offered.
Families typically register online through their school. We recommend checking with your
school office or visiting their website for current registration links and deadlines.
If you need help, our team is available to walk you through the process.
Where are your programs located?
We partner with local school districts to provide programs directly on school campuses.
Our programs are offered at multiple elementary and middle schools throughout Orange County.
Visit our Programs page for a current list of locations or contact us to find out if we serve your
child’s school.
Is there a cost to participate?
All ASES and ELOP programs are free for students.
Fees may apply for programs outside ASES and ELOP that are not funded through school
partnerships.
How do you ensure student safety?
Safety is our top priority.
All staff are carefully screened and trained in youth development, CPR and First Aid, and safety
procedures. We follow established protocols for supervision, sign-in and sign-out, and
emergency response, and we align with school district safety guidelines.
Staff-to-student ratios will not exceed 1:20 for Grades 1–6 and 1:10 for TK and Kindergarten.
What kind of staff work in your programs?
Our staff are trained youth development professionals who are passionate about working with
children.
They receive ongoing training in behavior support, social-emotional learning, and program
quality. Many of our staff have been with Camp Fire for several years and have built strong,
consistent relationships with students and families.
What outcomes do students gain from your program?
Camp Fire programs are designed to support the whole child academically, socially, and
emotionally.
Based on feedback from youth, families, and staff:
- 97% of caregivers report their child feels safe in our program
- 83% of caregivers say the program has made a positive difference in their child’s life
- 82% of families would recommend Camp Fire to others
Youth participants also report strong outcomes in key areas:
- 90% say they respect others
- 89% demonstrate creative thinking
- 81% build positive relationships with peers
- 83% say at least one adult at Camp Fire believes in them
These results reflect our focus on creating a safe, supportive environment where young people
can build confidence, develop skills, and form meaningful relationships.
What makes Camp Fire different from other programs?
Camp Fire focuses on the whole child.
In addition to providing a safe place after school, we intentionally build social-emotional skills,
confidence, and leadership through hands-on activities and supportive relationships. Our
programs are structured, engaging, and designed to support both academic success and personal growth.
Do you offer programs at new schools or community locations?
Yes. We partner with schools, housing communities, and local organizations to bring programs
directly to where families are.
If you are interested in offering a program at your school or site, please contact us here:
What is Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®?
Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® is a national Camp Fire initiative held each year on the third
Thursday in March. It encourages adults to write notes of encouragement to the young people in
their lives, helping build confidence and connection.
Was Camp Fire once called Camp Fire Girls?
Yes. Camp Fire was founded in 1910 as an organization for girls and became coeducational in
Today, we serve all youth and continue to prioritize inclusion and belonging.
Do you sell candy?
Yes. We partner with Puyallup’s Chocolate to offer a variety of items, including Dark Chocolate
Mint Sticks, Milk Chocolate Grahams, Dark Sea Salted Chocolate Almonds, and Dark Chocolate
Cherries.
Orders can be placed online and either picked up at the Camp Fire office in Orange or shipped
directly to your home.
