Camp Fire's History
Camp Fire was founded in 1910 as one of the first nonsectarian, multicultural youth organizations in the United States, created to offer young people meaningful opportunities for personal growth, outdoor adventure, and community involvement. Originally named Camp Fire Girls, it was established to complement the Boy Scouts by providing girls with their own space to develop skills, confidence, and a love for nature. Over the decades, Camp Fire expanded its programs to be inclusive of all genders and backgrounds, reflecting its commitment to diversity and equal opportunity.
Throughout its more than 110-year history, Camp Fire has remained dedicated to empowering youth to discover their unique strengths and passions. Its curriculum combines hands-on learning, leadership development, and community service, encouraging young people to grow as individuals and as members of their communities. From outdoor camps and environmental education to arts, culture, and social impact projects, Camp Fire offers a wide range of experiences designed to build resilience, creativity, and a lifelong commitment to service.
Today, Camp Fire continues to be a vital force in youth development nationwide, adapting to the needs of modern families while staying true to its founding mission: to nurture caring, capable, and responsible young people ready to lead positive change in the world.



Our History
Camp Fire Illinois Prairie, the sole Camp Fire council in Illinois, was established in 1953. It is part of the national Camp Fire organization, which was founded in 1910 by Dr. Luther H. Gulick and his wife Charlotte Vetter Gulick. Initially created to offer young girls meaningful opportunities for personal growth, outdoor adventure, and community involvement, Camp Fire has since expanded to include youth of all genders. The Illinois Prairie chapter serves the five-county area surrounding Chicago, providing programs that emphasize social and personal development, leadership, and community service.