Camp Fire Kids Unplugged | Traditional Clubs | Outdoor Programs | Teens-In-Action | After School | Related Activities
Camp Fire Kids Unplugged
If you are looking to spend more quality time with your kids in the outdoors, this is a perfect fit for you. We know you are busy and that money is tight for a lot of families right now, which is why we will take care of the planning and will be offering these programs at a very reasonable price. Camp Fire Kids Unplugged is designed to be for the whole family, providing the opportunity for you and your kids to have new experiences in the outdoors!
Families experience nature together in outdor activities that promote:
• Physical activity
• Community fellowship
• Outdoor learning
• Environmental awareness
• Family fun
Traditional Clubs
Clubs are small, co-ed groups of youth in pre-kindergarten through high school who meet regularly with adult volunteer club leaders. Camp Fire USA youth move progressively through outcome-based program levels. Club experiences offer opportunities to develop planning and decision-making skills, as well as skills related to individual interests. Boys and girls learn to work and play together.
Camp Fire USA Club Programs have four important qualities: progression, inclusiveness, partnership between youth and adults and rewards and recognition.
Little Stars: Pre-Kindergarten.
The Little Stars level is designed for children in pre-kindergarten, generally ages three to five. The curriculum can be used in traditional small-group settings or adopted for child care or Community Family Club. The program serves as an introduction to Camp Fire USA and is designed to excite and educate children on a wide range of topics. The Little Stars program helps build confidence in children and activities reflect the developmental needs and interests of Pre-K children. When children complete a meeting plan, they will receive a sticker from the corresponding project to place on their Little Stars recognition chart.
Starflight: Kindergarten through 2nd grade.
The Starflight level is designed for children in kindergarten through second grades. Youth learn responsibility, decision-making and other valuable skills through a variety of projects centered on five trails. Youth participate in projects focusing on family, nature and the outdoors, safety, science, health, community service, art, music and drama. They learn while working together and having fun. All projects are designed to fit the abilities and interests of this age level. Recognition is an important component of the Starflight program, and youth receive emblems or certificates after completing a project.
Adventure: 3rd through 5th grades.
The Adventure level is designed for youth in third, fourth and fifth grades. Youth complete a variety of activities centered on five trails. Each trail has many exciting activities and topics. Adventure members can choose activities to do with their groups, families or by themselves. Activities are progressive in nature and require the youth to sharpen living skills, make choices and plan activities.
Adventure members learn to work and play together and develop planning and decision-making skills, as well as skills related to their individual interests. Recognition in the form of beads, emblems and certificates is given after a project or activity is completed, which helps build self-esteem and pride.
Discovery: 6th through 8th grade.
Youth in sixth, seventh and eighth grades may participate in the Discovery program. In Discovery, Camp Fire USA youth explore their roles as members of families, schools, churches, neighborhoods, teams or other groups. In "Discover Yourself," youth explore who they are and who they want to be; they plan for the present and prepare for the future. In "Discover Community," youth have opportunities to learn how communities work and how, as individuals, they can affect change in their communities. Torch Bearer projects also provide youth opportunities to explore areas of interest specific to them or their clubs.
Horizon: 9th through 12th grade.
The Horizon program is designed for youth in high school. The Camp Fire USA Horizon program is different for each member. At this level, teens are encouraged to participate in the activities as individual members or with their club members. In the Horizon program, teens are given the opportunity to create and build their own horizons, or futures. "Highlight" activities are designed to examine ideas, values, morals and experiences. Four "Reflection" projects provide focus for teens on self, choices and decisions, future goals and planning, and self-reliance skills. Teens typically begin working toward the WoHeLo Award in Horizon.
Outdoor Programs
Open to all Austin-area families, the Outdoor Programs include Backpacking and Paddling. The Hiking Program welcomes all ages, and the intergenerational experiences of guided hikes through Austin's urban parks can be the beginning of life-long appreciation for the outdoors. The Backpacking Program has provided the wilderness experience to dozens of urban teens. Paddling trips range from the "dawdle paddle" in Austin's Town Lake to overnight canoe and kayak adventures. We have two council-wide camp-outs per year, when members and their families get together in the outdoors.
Backpacking Program
Walk out into the forest, climb a mountain or dabble your feet in a cool stream. Learn to take care of yourself and your friends in the wilderness and learn to care for the environment.
Join in the fun with the Camp Fire USA Balcones Council Backpacking Program.
Four weekend trips will be scheduled this year to central Texas destinations, including Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Lost Maples State Natural Area.
How to Get Involved:
- Be middle or high-school age.
- Become a Camp Fire USA member.
- Attend an Orientation workshop. The first Orientation of each Program Year will be held in the Fall, normally in late September or early October. Additional Orientations will be scheduled as needed throughout the Program Year. Please call the Camp Fire Office at 512-349-2111 for the date and location of the next Orientation.
- Register for the Trip. Send in the Registration Form and fees for each trip attending by the designated due date for the trip. Trips are listed in the News and Events section. Forms can be found in the Members and Alumni section.
- Fit all your stuff into a backpack and GO!
Read the Backpacking Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.
Still have questions? Call the Balcones Council office at 512-349-2111 or email backpacking@campfireusabalcones.org.
Get the latest Mud Dauber backpacking newsletter here.
Family Paddle Days
Anyone can participate in these informal, fun outings held several times per year. Location is usually Town Lake/Lake Lady Bird. Bring your own boat, or arrange for a Council boat. Yes, younger kids are welcome, they just need to be with a parent or guardian. Family Paddle Days are a great outdoor excursion for clubs or families. This is a fun, safe way to get your feet (or paddle) wet and experience natural
Paddle Program
For folks who want a longer, more challenging outdoor experience, join the Paddle Program. We offer a variety of paddle trips for the day, a weekend, or overnight on the river. All participants in the Paddle Program must first complete the day-long Introduction to Paddling Class, held in late Summer each year. On trips, children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and some advanced trips will not be suitable for very young children.
This is the chance to feel the exhilaration of moving water and rapids…and the peace and serenity of a quiet stream. Finding the perfect gravel bank for your lunch spot or overnight camp site. Guiding a canoe or kayak where YOU want it to go. Fun and fellowship while learning and having fun. See the events calendar for specific trips and dates.
Club leaders and families,
Related Events and Activities
Special for Camp Fire USA Clubs: Balcones Council Backpacking Program will come to your club meeting. A volunteer will bring our slide show and presentation, provide an Orientation meeting, and even accompany you on your first club trip if you want. Club leaders may email Mina Loomis at backpacking@campfireusabalcones.org.
