Camp Fire programs are designed to accomplish a lot of things.  There are social, emotional and physical benefits to our programs.

But from a youth development point of view, there are at least eight assets we seek to advance.  The Search Institute, a non-profit youth development research agency, believes these assets are some of the basic building blocks of healthy development.

Not every Camp Fire program will address all eight assets, but each program addresses at least one or more of them.

1.  Interpersonal Confidence - Child seeks to build healthy relationships and learns about self-control

2. Cultural Competency:  Child continues to learn about her or his own cultural identity and is encouraged to interact positively with children of different racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

3. Other Adult Relationships:  Child receives support from adults other than her or his parent(s), with the child sometimes experiencing relationships with a nonparent adult.

4. Resistance Skills:  Child is learning to recognize risky or dangerous situations and is able to seek help from trusted adults

5. Peaceful Conflict Resolution:  Child continues learning to resolve conflicts without hitting, throwing a tantrum, or using hurtful language.

6. Planning and Decision Making:  Child continues learning to think through and plan school, play and community activities.

7. Personal Power:  Child has a growing sense of having influence over some of the things that happen in her or his life.

8. Appreciation for the Environment and Nature:  A distinctly Camp Fire asset.  Child begins to understand and respect the role of environment and nature.