Letter from the President & CEO
Greetings!
Cheers to another incredible year filled with new experiences and friendships sprouted in nature! I am excited to share our 2022 Annual Report, a snapshot of our nature-based programs and community impact.
First, thank you! Our community of youth, partners, supporters, campers, and neighbors (the list can go on and on!) is invaluable to the success of Camp Fire Minnesota. As I wrap up my second year, I’m inspired and motivated by you, our community, that continues to show up, celebrate, and grow alongside Camp Fire.
This last year we celebrated many wins, including:
• We piloted a Nature Immersion Preschool in partnership with Eastern Carver County Schools Community Education. Check out their graduation reel here!
• Expanded our Afterschool Explorer program model, meeting twice weekly, we transport youth to local parks to experience outdoor ‘firsts.’ Additionally, students were welcomed at no cost to summer camp through our piloted partner overnights!
• We welcomed back overnight campers and international counselors! And we officially opened our new kitchen for camp meals. Seeing campers join us both through day camp and overnight camp was a critical component of delivering our mission-based work!
• Since young people are at the heart of all we do, we created YAC, our Youth Advisory Council, comprised of passionate Camp Fire youth who provide youth perspective and insight into Camp Fire Minnesota’s goals and strategy. As YAC member Sammy shared “YAC is a way of getting youth voices heard and learning leadership skills.”
Our Inclusion Plan continues to drive our work forward, creating space for Camp Fire to navigate the needs of our community nimbly. Listening to young people, families, and our stakeholders allows us to ensure that all young people feel welcome at Camp Fire.
As we head into 2024 (our 100th anniversary!) we cannot thank you enough for being a part of the camp family. Our work is made possible by many – thank you for helping inspire young people through the magic of nature!
Sincerely,
Kori Redepenning
Camp Fire Minnesota President & CEO
Our Programs
With nature as our catalyst, we energize youth to discover their spark so their futures glow brighter.
Afterschool Explorers
In partnership with Twin Cities metro schools, we focus on connecting young people who face barriers to accessing nature with engaging outdoor learning opportunities at their school, in their community, and on-site. Watch our Afterschool Explorers in action here!
PreK-12 Environmental Education
Our hands-on, nature-based field trips, virtual lessons, and in-class visits tie directly to Minnesota State Education Standards or focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). The curriculum is designed around Camp Fire’s diverse ecosystem and customized to supplement in-class learning.
Summer & School Break Camps
Young people in our camp programs gain nature-based experiences that help them build confidence and leadership skills, develop new relationships, and connect with the outdoors.
Plus – in 2022, we launched a Youth Advisory Council made up of seven young people that provide youth voice and advocacy at Camp Fire Minnesota. Meet YAC here!
Financials
To see the full 2022 Consolidated Financial Statements please click here.
Thank you to our staff, Board & Trustees, and donors!
View the full list here.