We are incredibly excited to be expanding our service area this summer and serving more youth in West Seattle! Westcrest Park is a crown jewel and boasts a gorgeous green space with picnic tables, a playground, & viewing platform overlooking the skyline.

West Seattle native and Camp Fire team member, Mulch, will be at the helm!

“Camp Fire really stands out from the other youth organizations when it comes to giving kids the chance to grow at their own pace and figure out what they’re passionate about.”

Connecting Kids to the Outdoors

“I’m so excited to be directing Westcrest Park Day Camp this year! I grew up in West Seattle going to that park and it’s a beautiful location with plenty of access to hiking trails. It’s a great spot to connect kids with nature, give teenagers meaningful leadership experiences, and lead some fun and educational camp projects that kids love.”

Also on tap for this summer at Westcrest Day Camp: Scavenger hunts, tie-dye, STEM projects, camp songs, and so much more!

We will also be welcoming some special guests to camp including Dana Aoyama (Camp Name: Meeko) and her snake friends!

In this optional activity, Meeko teaches about snakes and addresses the fears some people may have about them. Campers will have the opportunity to both interact with the snakes and learn about their senses and behaviors. Don’t worry – the snakes Meeko brings to camp are used to handling, are non-venomous, and don’t bite.

Campers will learn about how to handle the snakes safely as they gain information on how snakes smell with their tongues, sense vibration and heat, and thermoregulate. Meeko will also go over snake behaviors in the wild and genetics!

Extended Care is Available at this location which is running from July 21st – 25th.

The post Camp Fire Day Camp Has Expanded into West Seattle! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

Attribution:

Original Source: Camp Fire

Author: Camp Fire


Published on: February 3, 2025

Disclaimer: This post is republished with permission from Camp Fire.

“Almost constantly.” 

That’s how often nearly half of all American teenagers say they’re online. 

From TikTok to Reels to Youtube to Snapchat, there’s a literal never-ending stream of content, ready and waiting to be consumed at any given moment, by anyone who has access to a device (which, let’s be honest, is basically all of us).  

Having a constant barrage of entertainment, information, infotainment, and everything in between makes it more challenging than ever to separate fact from fiction. Now is the perfect time to reflect on how we consume media—and how we can help kids become responsible digital consumers.  

What Is Misinformation and Why Does Media Literacy Matter? 

Misinformation refers to false or misleading information that spreads—sometimes intentionally, sometimes not. It’s everywhere online, and its consequences can be significant, influencing opinions, decisions, and even public policy. 

This is where media literacy comes in. Media literacy is broadly defined as: the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in various forms. Being media literate empowers you to: 

• Spot fake news and misleading claims. 
• Make informed decisions based on credible information. 
• Recognize financial motives behind content. 
• Contribute positively to online spaces. 
• Avoid scams and exploitation. 

By improving your media literacy skills, you can protect yourself from misinformation while also fostering a safer, more respectful online environment. 

How Parents and Caregivers Can Help  

Parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping youth develop media literacy skills. Here are some ways we can provide support to the young people in our lives: 

• Encourage open conversations: Create a safe space for youth to discuss what they see online without fear of judgment. Ask questions like, “Tell me about where you heard that?” or “How could we figure out if it’s true or not?” to spark critical thinking. 
• Teach fact-checking tools: Introduce youth to resources like FactCheck.org, Snopes, or Media Bias/Fact Check, and practice using them together.  
• Model responsible media use: Show how you evaluate sources by discussing why you trust certain outlets or double-check information before sharing. Consider using/checking Ground News which rates the political slant of every news piece. 
• Highlight the importance of diverse perspectives: Encourage youth to follow a variety of credible sources to get a fuller picture of any issue. Look at different media outlets and international news to see how things are framed from all perspectives.  
• Set healthy boundaries: Help establish (and model!) limits for screen time and social media use to prevent information overload and promote balanced habits. 

The Role of Algorithms: How Social Media Shapes What You See 

When you scroll through social media, the content you see isn’t random. It’s curated by algorithms, which prioritize posts based on engagement and your past behavior. While this can make your feed more personalized, it also means you’re often shown content designed to keep you scrolling—not necessarily what’s most accurate or balanced. 

Why it’s important to understand how algorithms work: 

• Algorithms often amplify sensationalized or polarizing content—when the goal is to get more clicks, anything that provokes emotion (good or bad, true or misleading), is a plus for the algorithm. 
• They may trap you in an “echo chamber,” showing you only viewpoints you already agree with. 

How Parents and Caregivers Can Help 

• Discuss how algorithms work: Explain in simple terms how platforms prioritize content and why it’s important to diversify information sources.  
• Encourage mindful scrolling: Help youth recognize when they’ve been online too long and suggest alternatives like going for a walk or engaging in offline activities. 
• Monitor for echo chambers: Talk to youth about the importance of exposing themselves to different viewpoints and avoiding content that reinforces one-sided perspectives. 
• Lead by example: Share how you take breaks from social media and curate a balanced feed to set a positive precedent. 

Read more: Caring for your mental health when the algorithm has other ideas 

Recognizing and Evaluating Bias in Media 

Not all media is created equal. Bias exists in many forms, including political, cultural, and commercial. Recognizing bias is key to understanding the full picture. 

Common types of media bias: 

• Political bias: Favoring one political ideology over another. 
• Commercial bias: Using sensationalized or clickbait headlines to drive traffic and/or generate revenue. 
• Cultural or societal bias: Framing issues based on specific cultural norms or prejudices. 

3 quick steps to evaluate media: 

1. Cross-check sources: Look for the same story on multiple credible outlets, such as AP News or Reuters. 
2. Research the author: Check their credentials and any potential conflicts of interest.  
3. Analyze the language: Be wary of emotionally charged words or headlines designed to provoke outrage. 

How Parents and Caregivers Can Help 

• Teach youth to recognize bias: Show examples of biased headlines or articles and discuss how to spot them. 
• Promote cross-checking: Encourage youth to verify stories with multiple outlets before accepting them as true. 
• Provide balanced sources: Share news from diverse perspectives and explain the value of understanding all sides of an issue. 
• Practice evaluating together: Review an article or video with your child and discuss whether it’s credible and unbiased. 

Staying Safe on Social Media 

At Camp Fire, we take child safety very seriously, and that most definitely includes online safety. 

American youth spend nearly five hours per day on social media, putting them in contact with numerous viewpoints, messages, ideas, and people—usually without a trusted adult by their side to help them evaluate and process what they’re consuming.  

This means it’s more important than ever to initiate (and continue!) the conversation with kids about how to stay safe online. It takes a healthy mix of critical thinking, awareness, and proactive habits to safely navigate social media these days.  

Here are some key ways you can help kids stay secure and informed: 

• Discuss privacy settings: Teach youth how to adjust their privacy settings to control who can see their content. 
• Talk about oversharing: Share examples of why it’s important to keep personal details private. 
• Encourage skepticism: Remind youth to question the authenticity of accounts. Teach them to seek answers to critical questions such as: Who created this content? Why was it made? Who benefits from it? 
• Provide tools for emotional awareness: Help youth recognize when a post is trying to manipulate their emotions and discuss ways to respond thoughtfully. 
• Share red flags or potential pitfalls to watch out for: For example, teach them to spot fake profiles with generic usernames, minimal activity, or unusual posting patterns as well as phishing/scam tactics.  

ScreenReady® With AT&T 

Our collaborators at AT&T have taken a proactive role in developing tools and resources to help people of all ages stay safe online. We encourage you to explore their extensive collection of information:  

• Digital Literacy. 
• Digital Safety tools for all ages. 
• Digital Citizenship video series, tailored for tweens/teens. 
• Digital Parenting tools.   

Becoming an informed consumer of information isn’t just about avoiding fake news—it’s about taking control of your online experience. By practicing media literacy, recognizing bias, and building healthier, safe habits, you can help yourself and navigate today’s digital landscape with confidence. 

We hope you’ve been inspired to take the first step toward helping yourself and the youth in your life become smarter, more critical media consumers.  

How will you commit to fostering a safer, more informed online community in 2025 and beyond?  

Additional Resources: 

Safer Internet Day 

The News Literacy Project 

The post A More Informed Youth: Media Literacy in 2025 & Beyond appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

As always, we can’t wait for classic camp traditions like roasting churros over the fire, tie-dyeing, and, of course—lanyards! Last summer’s new additions,
including scavenger hunts and beach games, were a huge hit, so they’re making a comeback. Plus, we’re stepping things up this year with even more exciting activities—including GaGa Ball at all of our sites!

Our Day Camps wouldn’t be the same without our incredible volunteers. Each summer, dedicated teens spend one to four weeks leading groups of campers—many of them returning as staff once they turn 18! We’re especially grateful for team members like Jupiter, who will be with us for all of summer 2025—her third year on staff and her 14th year at Carkeek!

If you’re 18 or older and looking for a summer filled with adventure, fresh air, and meaningful connections, consider joining our team. We’d love to have you!

Corey Gerberdolan (She/Her)
Day Camp Director

Register for Day Camp

Join our team!

The post Day Camp Spotlight appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

A Lifelong Love Begins

Camp Sealth has permeated our family’s lives for more than 30 years. I started working at camp during college and my sister Anne soon followed. We made
some of the best friends we have ever had at camp. It was my first real job and gave me a real grounding on how to help children grow and become independent in a safe, fun, and caring environment.

Once I had my children, I couldn’t wait for them to turn five so I could send them to the magical place that is Camp Sealth. They came home with stories that were so familiar to me yet wonderful to hear again through their eyes. The songs were the same ones I had sung to them in their earliest years. They kept going back to camp each summer and joined the staff team as teenagers.

I volunteer because camp is what we do in my family! I love going to Camp Sealth each summer because it is isolated and peaceful and played such a huge role in my family’s lives. I donate because I feel like I am making a difference for other families and because I believe that EVERY child, regardless of ability to pay, should have the magical camp experience.

– Sarah Methner, alumnus, board member, donor and volunteer

Give Today

Volunteer With Us!

The post Why I Give to Camp Fire appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

“I started selling Camp Fire Candy as a kid in the 1990s and learned valuable skills—sales techniques, perseverance, and handling rejection,” shares volunteer Group Leader Amanda Wedvik.

“It also taught me the importance of goal-setting and how to reach your goals. As I now teach my children and group members how to sell, I see how in-person interactions help kids develop communication skills they don’t always practice in today’s digital world. Whether knocking on doors and getting to know their neighbors or speaking with new people at a grocery store site sale, they’re building confidence and learning valuable life skills.”

Amanda leads the Fun Fires, a Starflight & Adventure group in Bonney Lake that sold over 1,100 units of Camp Fire candy this year. “I appreciate how the annual candy sale fundraiser connects the kids of today to Camp Fire’s long history. While selling candy out in the community, we meet so many alumni who love to talk with our youth and reminisce. One parent in my group was in Camp Fire as a kid like me and now our children are in the same group – a full-circle moment!”

Now that Camp Fire is concluding their 75-year partnership with Brown & Haley, Amanda is sad to see the mints go but excited to see what is next. The fundraiser raises critical funds each year to directly support Camp Fire groups and programs. Proceeds allow groups to raise dollars for group activities, purchase emblems and vest and even for those super sellers a week at Camp Sealth!

Last chance ever to get Camp Fire Mints!

The post The Sweet Benefits of Camp Fire’s Candy Fundraiser appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

Emmaline and Irenee are the dynamic duo behind “The Flickers,” a Camp Fire group that has been blazing its own trail since re-forming in 5th grade during the height of COVID-19. Now in 8th grade, they are already making strides
toward earning the prestigious WoHeLo Award, the highest honor in Camp Fire. This award requires them to complete three advocacies each of which require work in four categories:

• Lead
• Teach
• Serve
• Speak Out
  

For their first Advocacy, The Flickers are once again organizing You & Me Camp, an annual event at Camp Sealth for Camp Fire youth and families. They are planning a Jungle theme this year after prior success in 2023 with their “By the Salish Sea at Camp Sealth” theme.

For the Lead aspect of You and Me Camp, The Flickers have planned, designed and organized the themed activities, movies, workshops and snacks, recruited volunteers and worked with Camp Fire staff to ensure the event would serve the youth who were attending.

To fulfill the Teach aspect of this advocacy, The Flickers will teach the volunteers the steps necessary for leading each activity, allowing the volunteers to lead/teach youth participants on their own. They have also taught youth participants at the weekend over the past three years, leading workshops such as craft projects, slime making, and scavenger hunts.

For the Service aspect of this advocacy, You and Me Camp serves the Camp Fire Group Program community, teaching them new skills and providing fun activities for them to enjoy.

Finally, for the Speak Out category, as hosts of the weekend, they make announcements about the weekend to participants and are available to help the attendees as they are able. They also provide direction at the activities they are leading.

“Earning the WoHeLo Award is a big challenge, but I’m excited to push myself and grow as a leader.”
– Irenee

You & Me Camp was previously known as Dad Kid Weekend and was rebranded in 2020 in an effort to be more inclusive of all family structures.

The post Group Program Spotlight appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

In today’s challenging political climate, community support is more important than ever, especially for young people. Camp Fire provides a safe and nurturing environment where youth can find stability, mentorship, and emotional support. Through our programs, young people learn resilience and build the skills needed to navigate uncertainty, while creating lifelong connections within a caring community.

Community involvement is vital for personal well-being and growth, and Camp Fire has been fostering these connections for over 100 years. We’ve built a strong community where youth and families come together to connect with each other and with nature. These in-person interactions are essential for developing meaningful relationships and promoting mental and emotional health, things that virtual spaces can’t fully replicate.

Our success depends on the dedication of adult volunteers who give their time and energy to support our programs. We need volunteers to help with service weekends at Camp Sealth, assist with our day camps and summer camp, and lead activities that inspire our youth. The mentorship of caring adults has always been at the heart of our mission, guiding young people on their journeys of self-discovery and empowerment.

Being part of the Camp Fire community also enriches one’s cultural and social understanding, as engaging with diverse groups fosters empathy and broadens perspectives. By supporting Camp Fire, you are not only improving your own life but strengthening the impact of our community in shaping informed, compassionate, and resilient leaders for tomorrow. Your involvement makes a lasting difference!

We hope to see you at some events this year.

Rick Taylor (he/him)
Executive Director

The post The Power of Community appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

This winter, after a lengthy battle with cancer, we lost a beloved lifetime Camp Fire friend, Jan “Kanga” Milligan. Jan began her journey as a Camp Fire Girl, was a camper, a summer counselor, and came to Camp Sealth as director from 1993-2008. Under her leadership, camp grew exponentially, serving more youth and families.

She established a school-year outdoor education program, added Camp Fire group events, welcomed non-profit group retreats, and grew summer camp participation. The thriving Camp Sealth we know today is due in huge part to Jan’s vision.

Jan’s leadership style focused on the “camper experience”. She embodied the values of Camp Fire and instilled them in her staff, embracing small-group programming, camper choice, and building connections to the natural world. She advocated for kids with disabilities and developed programs to support their inclusion at camp.

Jan led by example and was willing to take on any task, no matter how big or small, with a determination to keep camp running smoothly. She could cook breakfast for a full dining hall, dig a ditch, make a garbage run, or deep clean a bathroom. Perhaps her favorite self-assignment was mowing the grass, including one late-night mower excursion in the orchard.

Along with designing camp programs, Jan was passionate about the site and facilities that supported them. Her attention to detail was apparent throughout camp: refreshed coats of paint in matching colors, thoughtful updates to facilities, the addition of a volleyball court and the GaG Ball pit. The hundreds of wooden bunk beds were a multi-year project, built onsite by our maintenance staff to replace old metal spring cots. Jan was most proud of managing a rebuild of the seawall, removing old timbers and replacing them with more natural rockery.

With her forestry degree and love of the outdoors, Jan encouraged staff and campers to be stewards of Sealth’s woods, wetlands and waterfront. Her handwriting can still be found in parts of camp on carved wooden trail signs.

Throughout her retirement, Jan continued to stay involved at Camp Sealth, most notably organizing the sewing and replacement of curtains in all of the cabins. She and her husband Doug contributed many hours on maintenance projects for the Wrangler unit.

Jan’s commitment to Camp Sealth spanned more than five decades, and she had a unique ability to unite the people and traditions that spanned those years. She appreciated camp’s past as a girls’ camp, its present as a place for all, and envisioned what could be accomplished in the future.

She had a gift for seeing the potential in young people, and for placing them in positions to grow their skills and confidence.

Jan will be missed deeply and we are dedicated to fulfilling her biggest wish of all, that Camp Sealth continues to be a place where young people can go to make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Help Us Honor Jan’s Memory & Celebrate Her Legacy

Share Your Favorite “Kanga” Story

Send to Carriek@campfireseattle.org. These will be compiled and shared at a later date.

Give Service to Camp Sealth

Jan championed camp work parties and expressed a wish to see them grow. Join us on Saturday, April 19th or Saturday, May 3rd (a special day in honor of
Jan!) and help get camp ready for summer.

Join us in honoring Jan

The post Long-time Camp Sealth Director Leaves a Legacy appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

What’s New?

• Every camper will receive two patches per session! Each youth who attends camp will be given two unique patches per session to take home as a reminder of their time at Camp Sealth.
• No online patch sales. To keep our patch system fair and meaningful, patches will no longer be available for purchase online.
• Limited in-store sales. If there are leftover Camp Sealth patches at the end of the season, they may be available for purchase in our onsite camp store—so be sure to have your camper check while they are here!

Which Patch will my camper leave with?

Campers will receive the following patches based on the camp they attend:

• Classic Camp – Camp Sealth Annual Patch and either Arts and Craft Patch (A&C), Archery Patch (progression 1 or 2), Outdoor Living Skills (OLS) Patch, or Waterfront Patch. The specific patch received depends on which activity the camper has engaged with the most.
• Adventure – Camp Sealth Annual Patch and Adventure Patch
• Explorer – Camp Sealth Annual Patch and Explorer Patch
• Kiwanis – Camp Sealth Annual Patch and Kiwanis Patch
• Splash – Camp Sealth Annual Patch and Splash Patch
• Bullseye – Camp Sealth Annual Patch and Archery Patch Progression 2 or Progression 3
• Nocturnal – Camp Sealth Annual Patch and Nocturnal Patch
• Proud2BeMe – Camp Sealth Annual Patch and Proud2BeMe Patch
• Beginner Horse – Camp Sealth Annual Patch and Horse Progression 1
• Intermediate Horse – Camp Sealth Annual Patch and Horse Progression 2
• Advanced Horse – Camp Sealth Annual Patch and Horse Progression 3
• Lil Buckaroos – Camp Sealth Annual Patch and Lil Buckaroos Patch

We’re excited about this update to your camper’s experience and ability to earn new patches. Our hope is that it enhances the camper experience by ensuring that every child has a tangible memory of their time at camp each year. We can’t wait to see all of the smiling faces this summer, patches in hand!

Have any questions? Feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

See you at camp!

The post Exciting Changes to Our Camp Sealth Summer Camp Patches! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

We’re so excited to be announcing our weekly themes for our 2025 summer sessions at Camp Sealth! Each week both our overnight and day camp staff will incorporate the theme into daily activities, all camp events, meals and more! Participation in the theme is always optional, however, we encourage our campers to bring any costumes or accessories they have related to their week’s theme – Camp also has many costumes to borrow!

Session 1: Space is the Place June 30 – July 5

This camp session is about to be out-of-this-world! Travel to infinity-and-beyond through the constellations all in time to make it back to planet Earth by the end of the week! Campers may dress up as aliens or astronauts, learn about astronomy, and see if you would survive an alien invasion!

Session 2: Heroes & Legends July 7 – 12

Step into the world of gods, monsters, and epic quests! Whether you’re a mighty hero like Hercules, a clever strategist like Athena, or a mischievous trickster like Hermes, this week is all about adventure. Train like a true demigod, go on mythical quests, and see if you have what it takes to join the ranks of legend. Beware of Medusa’s gaze, watch out for minotaur-filled labyrinths, and prepare for an unforgettable journey straight out of Greek mythology.

Session 3: Rainbow Rumble July 14 – 19

Get ready for a week bursting with color, competition, and camp spirit! It’s time to rally your team, show off your creativity, and dive into fun challenges in the ultimate color war. Whether you’re decked out in head-to-toe red, blue, green, or yellow, every camper will have a chance to compete in games, relays, and wacky contests—all while cheering on their squad. The energy will be high, the outfits will be bright, and the excitement will be unstoppable. Who will claim the Rainbow Rumble crown? Only one way to find out!

To help your camper bring their team spirit to life, send them with clothes that match their team’s color!

• Wrangler – Red
• Fireflies – Orange or Yellow
• Hill & Bullseye – Green
• Village & Kiwanis – Blue
• Horizon & Nocturnal – Purple

Let the Rainbow Rumble begin!

Session 4: Jurassic Adventure July 23 – 26

Get ready for a DINO-mite week at camp! Journey back to a land-before -time & party like it’s 145 million BCE! It’s dinosaur week, what more can we say?! Visit our real-live dinosaur descendants (the camp chickens!), search for fossils, share your best T-rex call. We’re traveling back in time for the adventure of the summer.

Session 5: Wild, Wild West July 28 – August 2

Howdy partner! Mount up and get ready to ride into the west of the past! Bring your cowboy hat and flannel because this week will be a rootin’ tootin’ good time. Dive into the world of horses, ranchers, and gold this week. We’ll have events and themed meals centered on the Wild, Wild West, plus a special Hoedown up at Wrangler where campers can witness life with horses firsthand!

Session 6: Enchanted August 4- 9

Whether you’re a warlock, witch, or wizard (oh my!) – join us for a magical week of camp. It’s sure to be a SPELLBINDING experience! Whether you want to dress up as a princess, cast a spell with your friends, or you’re more likely to be found at Shrek’s swamp, this week will be all things fairytales.

Session 7: Camp Stealth August 11 – 16

I spy with my little eye, an exciting week full of mystery and intrigue! The only thing that isn’t a mystery is the fun and friendship made along the way! Calling all spies and mystery enthusiasts, this week is for you! Solve a mystery with your friends, attend spy training, and see if you have what it takes to be a secret agent, Camp Sealth is counting on you! We are all on a mission to make this the best week of your summer!

Session 8: Sail the Seven Seas August 18-23

Ahoy Mateys! Mermaids, pirates, and deep-sea divers welcome. This is the perfect week to dress up as your favorite sea creature, play on the beach, or live like a pirate. This week is all about the ocean and everything in it! You might even find some buried treasure!

P.S. We’re seeking costume donations!

Do you have lightly used costumes, formal wear, or accessories that need a home where they will be a part of fashion shows, photoshoots, campfire skits, and camp events? Reach out to us at teagans@campfireseattle.org and we can coordinate a time and place for you to drop off! (please no shoes, weapons, or fragile items)

The post They’re Here! Camp Sealth’s Weekly Themes for Summer 2025! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.