Campfire Institute
Wilderness Enrichment adventures for girls & LGBTQ+ youth
Ages 5-17
Basecamping in Maine
Thank you to our generous sponsors
About Us
Campfire Institute's programs for girls* ages 5-17 help build outdoor leadership skills, confidence, and relationships! We offer a variety of adventures to help kids unplug, get outside and connect to nature and themselves! Join us for an upcoming SPARK! or IGNITE program! We also proudly offer OUT programs which are specifically for LGBTQ+ youth!
Campfire Institute Is committed to providing equitable access to nature. We strive to close gaps that have historically kept girls, LGBTQIA+ people, people of color and underserved communities from reaping the benefits of wilderness experiences and seeing themselves represented in it. We will not turn anyone away based on their ability to pay.
From the Creators of
Girls* Camp!
In 2015 we started Girls* Camp and were inspired by the personal growth experiences our campers were having. We are excited to offer this to more kids throughout the year!
It has always been important that anyone who wants Girls* Camp can come to Girls* Camp. In the same spirit, the Campfire Institute brings outdoor education and personal growth opportunities to those who seek it year-round!
If you’ve spent extended time at summer camp or out in the wilderness, you know first hand the life-changing moments that can take place around a campfire!
*Starting in 2021 the “Girls” in “Girls* Camp” adds an asterisk*! We use Girls* as an umbrella term for the wider community who may not fit neatly into a gender binary.
What can we expect to learn in the outdoors?
We can learn from the eagle how to look closely and observe the small movements of the world under our feet. We can learn from the fox how to be still and quiet and listen. As we build appreciation for and understand our place in the natural landscape, we will develop a deeper understanding of our ecosystem and how each one of us belongs and fits in. The wilderness is a place for kids to take a closer look at nature and what it has to teach us about the world and ourselves.
Mission
The Campfire Institute creates memorable outdoor adventures that demystify nature and ignite transformative — and joyous — personal growth.
Vision
We envision a world in which the outdoors are accessible to everyone;
in which no one is intimidated by nature;
in which we build inclusive, supportive communities;
in which we are empowered by our own curiosity and resilience;
in which we feel safe to step outside of our comfort zone and grow.