“WHO WANTS S’MORES?!” a Camp Fireweed counselor yelled. A fire blazed, and the sun shone bright. The kids who were playing and eating lunch nearby and heard the question called back, “I DO!” Counselors guided campers to marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate and roasting sticks. This week, 168 five to 15 year-olds are registered.
We coordinated with Camp Fire Alaska to bring these s’more supplies. We wanted to thank this nonprofit for the service they provide to families, parents and our community while having a fun way to interact with their staff, counselors and campers. Limited and costly child care options exist in our community. So Camp Fire Alaska serves a very important role.
This particular camp filled to 100% capacity within 48 hours of opening in early January 2024 and included reserved spots for families in need of scholarships. Families express disappointment when spots fill so quickly. Those parents who are fortunate enough to know and can confirm their summer schedules far in advance have a better chance securing reliable child care. Thankfully, work’s being done in our community to create more options.
Camp Fire Alaska specifically has been working hard to increase space in their programs. For instance, this spring Camp Fireweed had a very strong hiring season, allowing them to open new slots. Now, families can register throughout the summer. Find a camp for your child now.
Children who attend camps, like Camp Fireweed, have a blast. Counselors here choose a “camp name” that reflects their personalities. “Levi,” pronounced Lev-vy (as in Levioso, a reference to a Harry Potter spell) and “Hiker” shared some facts about Camp Fireweed.
“During the week, all the campers get one to three chances to do about eight activities,” Levi said, presenting a hardcopy of the schedule. Offerings include rocks walls, archery, swimming, kayaking, creative arts, outdoor living skills, adventure time and “gaga ball.”
If you’re wondering what “gaga ball” is, you’re not alone. We had to ask.
“It happens down in a field within this huge circle,” explained Levi. “Gaga ball’s probably what campers love most.” To play, kids try to get away from a big ball being passed around so they’re not hit by it and are the last one remaining. They must use open-hands to move the ball and aim at one another. “At the beginning of the summer, the field is covered in grass. By the end of the summer,” Levi laughed, “it’s just a dirt pit.”
All around, campers looked like basic Alaskan kiddos. Their summer attire ranged from big, fluffy coats to sleeveless shirts and shorts. A young adult sat with a group of about 7 campers who are probably going into first grade soon. This counselor was outfitted in hiking clothes, like many Alaskan adults. If you guessed this person is Hiker, introduced earlier, you’re right.
“I’ve worked here since 2019,” he said. “During the school year, I’m a program coordinator and oversee six before and after-school programs.” The campers with Hiker excitedly tell me what they like about Camp Fire Alaska. Watching them raise their hands, call out their likes and scooch from criss-cross applesauce to their knees would soften anyone’s heart.
“My brother’s gone to this camp for 17 years!” Gavin exclaimed. Then, thinking for a minute, he clarified, “Maybe seven years…” He’s asked what’s his favorite part about camp. “Running into everything!” announced Gavin, giggling and squirming, “I’m weird!“
“I like to kayak, and I just learned how today,” Evelyn emphasized. “Did you know you can go forward and backwards and even side to side?” See Camp Fire Alaska’s Summer Camps.
Sawier wanted his s’more. “I’m done eating!” he said. “I love ’em burnt and toasty!”
These experiences do more than fill kids’ days and allow their parents to fulfill their responsibilities. These opportunities help kids make friends, appreciate the outdoors, develop skills, process information and create memories. We know they shape young children to young adults, which is why we’re committed to advancing efforts that put education first.
With your help, we can provide more child care, more learning options and more child-centered supports. Then, families can improve their financial stability now. Plus, kids can grow into adults who succeed and make our community better tomorrow.
