For three weeks every summer, Tumalo State Park comes alive. Children of all ages congregate around picnic tables and drying tie-die hangs from tree branches and clotheslines. Laughter and singing echo across the river canyon and at night, campfire smoke curls skyward. For many local students, these weeks are something they look forward to all year.
Camp Fire, a century-old nonprofit dedicated to community-based learning and outdoor leadership, is responsible for a broad base of educational programs nationwide. But for the children of Central Oregon, it is associated with one program in particular: Tumalo Day Camp.
For 36 years, Camp Fire’s local branch has hosted three weeklong summer camps at Tumalo State Park, providing local youth with an opportunity to forge relationships, learn new skills and connect with both their community and the outdoors.
Supported by a dedicated group of volunteers, campers explore the Deschutes River, sing traditional Camp Fire songs and participate in creative activities.
A group of campers participate in a craft project at Tumalo Day Camp on July 21, 2025. / Photo Credit: Laney McDonald
For volunteer Kari Szukalski, the most valuable part of Camp Fire Camp is “watching the kids get more independent as they grow.”
The camp curriculum is designed to build on itself over the years, and Szukalski said that this concept is particularly striking when it comes to the campers’ paracord bracelets: Each year, as the children advance their knowledge of knot-tying, the bracelets become more complex.
A Counselor-in-Training demonstrates tie-dying techniques to his group at Tumalo Day Camp on July 21, 2025. / Photo Credit: Laney McDonald
Though the camp’s programming ends when campers reach eighth grade, participation is still encouraged. The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program enables dedicated campers to assume leadership roles, guiding younger attendees through activities with the help of adult volunteers.
According to Camp Director Cece Valceschini, it is the CITs who make Camp Fire Camp special. Serving as role models for young campers, they encourage continued involvement and contribute their own unique flavor to the camp’s culture.
“I wanted to stay involved in it because I thought the CITs were really cool people,” said Mars Thiel, a recent graduate of the CIT program who served as a counselor this summer.
Counselor Mars Thiel shows off their wood cookie, a Camp Fire tradition, at Tumalo Day Camp on July 21, 2025. / Photo Credit: Laney McDonald
Like many who return to camp, Thiel was drawn not just by tradition, but by the energy, friendships and memories that make it feel like home. From skits and campfire songs to arts and crafts, the fun is what keeps kids coming back.
However, for many, Camp Fire offers more than summer entertainment: It’s where lifelong bonds begin.
“New friendships are built here,” said Valceschini, who met her best friend at camp 34 years ago. Now, she helps new campers find connection, encouraging them through silly songs and skits. The goal of Camp Fire Camp, she said, is to provide a space where all participants’ voices are heard and even shyer children have an opportunity to forge friendships with their peers.
“My favorite part of summer camp is hanging out with my friends,” said 9-year-old camper Alta.
Campers make mud pies at Tumalo Day Camp on July 21, 2025. / Photo Credit: Laney McDonald
However, as Bend’s population continues to grow, the camp faces increasing challenges in securing space. Valceschini noted that Tumalo State Park, where the camp occurs, grows “fuller and fuller” each year, making it increasingly difficult to reserve the site.
Yet, despite more construction, higher demand for public spaces and limited access to outdoor facilities, Valceschini is optimistic about continuing traditions. After all, she said, the camp runs largely on community support, and as long as there is a need in Central Oregon for Tumalo Day Camp, she trusts that volunteers will step up to keep the camp alive.
“Come to camp,” Valceschini said. “New volunteers are always welcome.”
Camp Director Cece Valceschini and Counselor-in-Training Director Cayden Jones celebrate pajama day at Tumalo Day Camp on July 21, 2025. / Photo Credit: Laney McDonald
Over 30 years have passed since the inaugural Tumalo Day Camp, and over that period, little has changed. It has seen generations of children pass through — including Valceschini’s three children and her grandchild — and the camp’s relevance to Central Oregon youth hasn’t waned. Instead, it continues to encourage connection, allowing campers to experience nature, friendship and fun in a way that, for many, is all too rare.
