Letter from the President & CEO
Hello!
2023 brought Camp Fire Minnesota the opportunity to thoughtfully engage and hear from our partners and supporters as we developed our new strategic plan for 2024-2026. We were proud to meet the needs of our community and partners through building unique programs, putting youth voices at the center of our decisions and storytelling, and continuing to embed inclusion into all we do so that all young people feel welcomed.
I sincerely thank you as we reflect on a year of growth and achievement. Without our community, there would be no Camp Fire Minnesota!
I am proud to share our accomplishments and milestones that have furthered our mission of welcoming all young people into nature.
• We launched our first-ever youth storytelling competition, a platform for 20 talented young storytellers to share how Camp Fire and being in nature changed their lives. Their stories not only enriched our mission but also inspired us all!
• Our rentals program expanded through new partnerships, welcoming guests all winter for retreats, saunas, and long-weekend rentals that supported our mission and increased our resources to serve more young people.
• State funding from the DNR enabled us to significantly expand the After School Explorers program to two new sites, a testament to our growing outreach.
• We hosted family days through our Nature Immersion Preschool Program, fostering joyful, shared experiences in nature for our youngest adventurers.
• We hosted our first Minnesota Master Naturalist Class, with 20 eager participants ready to learn from our trained Naturalists.
• Created unique partnerships to meet young people’s needs, like this memorable overnight with partner MIGIZI, who prepared for the BWCA.
• Recruited and built our first board DEI committee, which worked alongside our staff DEI committees to deepen our inclusion engagement and learning.
Finally, at year-end, we announced plans to renovate our historic Mansion and developed a new strategic plan for 2024-2026.
Thank you for your support and dedication to Camp Fire’s mission. Your contributions, whether big or small, have made a significant difference. Together, we are creating joyful experiences in nature for all young people, and we couldn’t have done it without you!
Sincerely,
Kori Redepenning
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.
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.
Financials
To see the full 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements please click here.
Thank you to our staff, Board & Trustees, and donors!
View the full list of staff, Board & Trustees here.
View the full list of donors here.