Nearly a century of experience as a leader in providing programs and services to youth and their families has allowed Camp Fire USA to carve out a unique niche in the youth development movement in America. In 1999, Camp Fire USA adopted a new mission statement and set of core values that firmly embrace our unique mission and assure that we continue to meet the needs of young people and families into the 21st century. Our new mission: Camp Fire USA builds caring, confident youth and future leaders.  

We serve youth of all races, religions, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or other aspect of diversity. Camp Fire USA's coeducational programs help both girls and boys cultivate their unique talents and skills. More importantly, Camp Fire offers all families, whatever family may look like in today's society, life-enhancing experiences and the opportunity to serve, play and grow together. We believe that the best youth development takes place in small-group environments where youth have an opportunity to interact with adults and other youth in a safe, fun environment that allows them to develop personal skills and ongoing relationships with others in the group. 

Five essential elements derived from the mission statement and core values drive every program we offer:

1. We are youth-centered. 
Youth take an active role in determining program content and activities. Young people's accomplishments are recognized and rewarded within the group and community. Personal skill building and decision-making, critical components of all programming, progressively build confidence and leadership in youth. This foundation enables youth to be leaders with their peers, with younger youth and in the community. 

2. We engage the entire family in fun and outcome-rich activities. 
We are youth-centered and family-focused. We believe that, since Camp Fire USA programs are youth-centered and youth live in the families and the larger community, our programs should be designed to include the whole family, valuing whatever form family takes in today's society. Camp Fire is unique in that it offers an opportunity for the entire family to belong and to join together in fun and enriching activities at all levels. We encourage parents, extended family members and other members of the community to routinely interact with the youth and to develop their own parenting and mentoring skills through their relationship with Camp Fire. 

3. We are welcoming and inclusive. 
We invite children, youth and adults regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or other aspect of diversity. Camp Fire USA programs are designed to provide coeducational activities for all youth. Youth find a safe and inclusive place to explore the uniqueness of who they are, to master important life skills, to share with peers and adults and to develop assets that experts assert are essential to the process of building character and maturity. We require no oath or participation in rituals that may create barriers to inclusiveness. 

4. We build youth and adult partnerships. 
Camp Fire USA programs are about doing "with" youth, not about delivering "to" youth. Youth and adults work together in partnership to design, implement and evaluate what they do. Through participation where they have voice and direction, Camp Fire youth form lasting relationships, a sense of belonging and appreciation and a feeling of emotional commitment by adults, both inside and outside the family circle. Research shows that young people in the early years need opportunities to be involved in positive activities with parents and family members. As they mature, they need the support of caring adults outside the family circle. Camp Fire programming is designed to provide opportunities to build those lasting relationships with parents and with other adults. 

5. We provide service to others. 
From its early history, Camp Fire USA has been known as a service organization. That is still true today. Service is a major component of all Camp Fire programs. Councils provide innovative and diverse programs that are responsive to specific needs of their community and engage the support and cooperation of other community leaders and organizations in their efforts. Camp Fire provides youth and families with an awareness of the community and its needs and an opportunity to participate in the initiation, planning and execution of service projects to meet those needs. Through service, young people can make a positive difference in their lives and in the lives of their families and their communities.