Thinking About Starting a Camp Fire Club? Here's What the Process Really Looks Like.
Have you ever wished there was a Camp Fire club closer to home?
You're not alone. One of the questions we hear most often is, "How do I start a Camp Fire club?" Many people imagine it involves months of planning, endless paperwork, or years of experience working with children.
The truth is, it's much simpler than most people expect—and you don't have to do it alone.
Many of our club leaders are parents, grandparents, teachers, or community members who simply wanted to create meaningful experiences for the children in their lives. If that sounds like you, starting a Camp Fire club might be easier than you think.
It All Starts with a Conversation
The first step is simply reaching out.
We'll answer your questions, introduce you to Camp Fire, and help you decide whether leading a club is the right fit. There's no pressure or commitment—just a chance to learn more.
Training That Sets You Up for Success
Once you're ready to move forward, you'll complete a short leader orientation.
During training, you'll complete a background check, learn about Camp Fire's mission and values, explore our curriculum and activity resources, and discover all the opportunities available through our council—from camping adventures to family events and service projects.
By the end, you'll have access to the materials and support you need to begin planning your club.
Building Your Club
After your paperwork is complete and your background check is approved, it's time to invite families to join you.
Many leaders begin by reaching out to friends, neighbors, classmates, homeschool groups, or families from their church or community. Some clubs start with just a handful of children, and that's perfectly okay. Every club begins somewhere.
Then you'll choose what works best for your group. Decide how often you'd like to meet, what day fits your schedule, and where you'll gather. There's flexibility to create a club that works for both you and your families.
You're Never On Your Own
One of the biggest misconceptions about becoming a Club Leader is that you're expected to figure everything out yourself.
That's simply not the case.
Camp Fire provides curriculum, activity ideas, training, and ongoing support throughout the year. Whether you're planning your first meeting or your fiftieth, our staff is here to answer questions, share ideas, and help your club thrive.
Could You Be the Next Club Leader?
If you've been looking for a way to help children build confidence, make friends, explore the outdoors, and develop lifelong skills, starting a Camp Fire club could be the perfect opportunity.
If you're interested in bringing Camp Fire to your community, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us today to start the conversation—and who knows? Your club could be the next Camp Fire adventure waiting to begin.