Camp Fire Central Oregon steps in to save South County after-school programs, says it needs community support

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- In light of the recent closure of the La Pine Parks and Rec District, which recently ceased operations and laid off staff, Camp Fire Central Oregon says it's stepping in to support local families and youth. The closure has directly impacted the HUB program, which provided essential after-school child care services for families at Three Rivers School, La Pine Elementary and Rosland Elementary.

In response, Bend-La Pine Schools has formally requested that inclusive youth development organization Camp Fire Central Oregon take over the operation of these after-school programs, at least through the end of the current school year. This will provide LPPR the opportunity to evaluate its financial situation and prioritize its efforts.

Camp Fire said Wednesday it "is optimistic that the 501(c)3 nonprofit can become a long-term partner, working alongside LPPR to ensure continuous support for the community."

To keep families informed, the district sent an email last week outlining the transition and upcoming plans. This week, Camp Fire said it's representatives will visit the impacted schools to meet with administrators, distribute information to families, and answer any questions they may have.

Due to the high number of families in need of financial assistance, Camp Fire says it cannot independently fund the South County programs. Support from the community and partnerships will be vital to ensuring the sustainability of these services, according to Kecia Kubota, Camp Fire Central Oregon’s executive director.

“We are deeply humbled to be called upon to support these youth and families in their time of need, both now and in the years to come,” Kubota states. “However, it’s only through immediate funding and youth scholarships that we can make this critical service possible. We urgently appeal to the community—any individuals or organizations that can provide financial assistance—to please contact us immediately or donate directly through our website. The future of these children depends on swift action and secured financial resources.”

Given the uncertainty around the number of youth who will register and how many days of care each will need, Camp Fire has calculated cost estimates based on the maximum possible demand, assuming all youth register for five days a week and we charge only what families have been paying for HUB. Of note: Over 66% of families in the La Pine schools receive support from social services in some way (SNAP, TANF, medicaid, McKenny Vento, Foster Care, etc). The total community support needed for the 2024-25 school year is estimated to be $150,000.

Kubota invites interested funders to contact her for further conversation, reaching out via email or scheduling a phone/video conference with her at their earliest convenience. 

Meanwhile, planning for the new after-school program is already in the works, and Camp Fire has developed a phased approach for the transition. Given Camp Fire already operates Camp Fire Afterschool at Three Rivers School, the initial focus will be expanding capacity at this location, then to La Pine Elementary and Rosland Elementary.

Registration is open at Three Rivers School, and families can access services now, according to Avara Roberts (pictured left, helping youth), CFA’s program coordinator at the Sunriver location. Camp Fire is also launching a major hiring campaign to ensure each of the programs is fully staffed. Job details are available at campfireco.org/jobs. 

“As a Three Rivers resident and a mom of two school-aged children, I'm grateful Camp Fire can help support the needs of our community here in Three Rivers and La Pine,” Roberts says. “Our goal is to provide quality, affordable afterschool care, and Camp Fire is working to secure funding to help make that possible. As the South County Program Coordinator, it has been my pleasure to build relationships with the children and families of Three Rivers Elementary in our CFA program, and I look forward to doing the same as we expand to serve both La Pine Elementary and Rosland Elementary.”

Camp Fire Central Oregon remains committed to supporting families and youth in South County during this transition. As the rollout quickly progresses information for families is available on a dedicated Camp Fire webpage for South County and will also be provided through e-newsletters, social media and other communication channels.

About Camp Fire Central Oregon

Founded in 1910, Camp Fire is a national organization that actively engages youth and teens in building essential skills for life. Camp Fire Central Oregon has been a local leader in youth development since 1916. The organization provides out-of-school time, teen service and leadership, camp and environmental programs. Young people want to shape the world. Camp Fire provides the opportunity to help them find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are.