Inclusion at Camp Fire Minnesota

At Camp Fire Minnesota, inclusion is one of our core values, and we strive to live that value every day. We believe that each young person should have the opportunity to engage in the outdoors and in our programs freely and safely. To do that, it is our responsibility to create a space where everyone can be their full, authentic selves and be accepted for who they are. 

Creating a welcoming and affirming environment requires intentionality and continuous learning, and un-learning. We will not always get it right, but we are committed to showing up with courage, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and taking action to create equitable and welcoming outdoor experiences.

You can see our inclusion commitment in action in a variety of ways when you engage in Camp Fire programs. We break this down into five categories: Financial Access; Racial Diversity; Gender & Sexuality; Ability, Mental Health & Neurodiversity; Dietary Restrictions & Medical Needs.

As we occupy property in Excelsior and Grand Rapids, MN, we want to acknowledge that we are on Native land belonging to the Dakota and Ojibwe people – who are the original and rightful stewards of these grounds. We cannot ignore the painful history that has brought us to reside on this stolen land. We also acknowledge the ongoing resilience and thriving of the Dakota and Ojibwe people in spite of that history. Camp Fire Minnesota is committed to education and justice through our environmental programming, gatherings, and camp activities. It is critical that we stay mindful about what it means to occupy space and teach youth on Indigenous land.

As we occupy property in both Excelsior and Grand Rapids, Minnesota, we acknowledge that we are on the traditional homelands of the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples, the original and rightful stewards of this land. We recognize the painful history of displacement and colonization that allows us to reside on this stolen land, and we honor the ongoing resilience, presence, and thriving of Dakota and Ojibwe communities today. 

Camp Fire Minnesota stewards 103 acres of rare, biodiverse land, including old-growth forest, a sugar bush, and freshwater shoreline, just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities. While many Indigenous communities in greater Minnesota may have more direct access to ancestral lands, Indigenous youth and organizations in the Twin Cities often face barriers to connecting with nature in culturally relevant and meaningful ways. There is a deep need for consistent, safe, and affirming access to land where Indigenous people can gather, practice cultural traditions, build community, and strengthen intergenerational knowledge-sharing. 

Camp Fire Minnesota is committed to supporting Indigenous communities and advancing reconciliation. As part of this commitment, we offer our rental spaces at no charge to Indigenous-led organizations for their programs, gatherings, and events. 

Indigenous Land Use Guidelines  

• Indigenous organizations are welcome to use Camp Fire Minnesota’s property at no charge for gatherings, programs, and events. These must be private single-day or weekend rentals with a maximum of 150 attendees. 

• Collaborating alongside our programs team, Indigenous organizations have rights to gather (e.g., plant/medicine harvesting, sap collection) and fish on Camp Fire Minnesota’s land, as long as they complete a background check and are affiliated with a recognized Indigenous organization. 

• Ceremonial or sacred tobacco use is permitted on the property during exclusive-use rentals. 

• Hunting or trapping is not permitted on the property at any time. Due to insurance and licensing restrictions, Camp Fire Minnesota cannot allow hunting (bow or firearm) or trapping on site. 

• All rentals, including Indigenous organization use, follow the same booking process and property use guidelines to ensure fairness, safety, and stewardship of the land. 

• We invite Indigenous organizations to contact our rentals team to discuss their vision, needs, and how we can best support their use of the property. 

For inquiries or to book the property, please contact us at rentals@campfiremn.org.  

In May 2022, we changed the name of our camp in Excelsior as part of our work to address past and current Native American cultural appropriation. Read the full statement here.