about

Camp Fire Walla Walla is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping youth find their spark and discover who they are.

We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, enjoy nature, and thrive, so we offer a variety of programs, camps, events, and service learning projects meant to engage youth and inspire them to be themselves. Young people want to shape the world. Through Camp Fire, they can see immediate action and discover that they have what it takes to make a difference now.

As part of the Camp Fire national organization, which dates back to 1910, Camp Fire Walla Walla has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in preparing young people for the bright futures ahead of them. We are an inclusive organization, welcoming all youth, and believe that our co-ed programs allow young people to lay strong foundations for exceptional social skills.

OUR MISSION

Camp Fire Walla Walla is a community based nonprofit organization with a mission to build caring and confident youth and future leaders. We provide quality out-of-school programming that fosters growth within the children of our community. In our After School Camp and Super Summer in the Park programs, we focus on helping children to LEARN, GROW, EXPLORE, CREATE, BUILD FRIENDSHIPS, AND HAVE A LOT OF FUN!

OUR PROMISE

Young people want to shape the world. Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are. In Camp Fire, it begins now.

WHAT IS CAMPFIRE? IT'S A WAY OF LIFE.

We know the youth of today want to shape the world. Camp Fire provides the experience everyone needs to discover who they are - find their spark - and become a leader now.

FOCUSED PROGRAMS FOR EVERYONE!

Our programs encourage personal exploration by incorporating a researched based approach to youth development that ensures participants gain the skills necessary to thrive throughout their lives.

In order to make Camp Fire Walla Walla programs available to all children, regardless of socioeconomic background, we depend on the support of a generous community. Camp Fire would like to thank all supporters who are impacting the lives of children in Walla Walla!

OUR VALUES

OFFICE STAFF

SHAWNIENE BINGHAM

Executive Director

Shawniene has 20 years’ experience in Youth Development and non-profits. Her primary focus has been on Before and After school care and various types of Summer Camps. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Psychology and is a Child Abuse Prevention Trainer.

Before coming to Walla Walla Shawniene spent 15 years with the YMCA of Greater Seattle specifically the Auburn Valley YMCA as a Director over various youth programs. She has experience growing Youth and Adult Sports programs, Before and After School licensed and unlicensed programs, ACA accredited Outdoor Day Camp, Summer Enrichment and ECEAP. Shawniene also has knowledge of Early Childhood Education working at Children’s Home Society in Walla Walla as a Home Visiting Specialist.

Shawniene is excited to be at Camp Fire and work with Staff and Children to find their Spark!

KEATON SULLIVAN

Program Director

Keaton graduated from Walla Walla Community College in 2016 with an Associate Degree and has a passion for youth work. While working for Camp Fire, Keaton continues his education working toward his Early Childhood Education Certificate with the plan to continue to his Bachelor of Education and Administration.

Keaton has worked for Camp Fire Walla Walla since 2014 and is extremely excited for Camp Fire Walla Walla’s 100 year anniversary in 2024! He has a love for the outdoors; specifically backpacking, camping, and rock climbing and is very excited to help facilitate outdoor education to our campers. When off the clock and indoors, Keaton enjoys listening to podcasts, watching Ted Talks, and playing video games.

Keaton loves working for Camp Fire because, “We have an opportunity to better the lives of each child we serve. I do not take that opportunity lightly and intend on each camper leaving Camp Fire Walla Walla with better social skills, problem solving skills, and a greater sense of purpose than when they started here.”

CARLY CLARK

Programs Assistant

Carly joined Camp Fire in 2017 as the Programs Assistant. She assists the Programs Coordinator in After School Camp and Summer Day Camp daily operations. She is in charge of registration, developing monthly USDA approved snack menus, purchasing of snacks and operational supplies; you may even see her substituting at site!

Carly was born and raised in Walla Walla and enjoys cooking/baking, marking new places off her bucket list, walking her dog, Kobe, and spending quality time with friends and family. She graduated from Walla Walla Community College in 2017 and has found her current spark here at Camp Fire. She loves that there is never a dull moment in this line of work, and that every day is different.

BOARD MEMBERS

President:

Donna Painter

Vice President:

Maria Fondahn

Secretary:

Marissa Waddell

At Large:

Amanda Lemus

Anne Swant

Nancy Abels

Peter Thorson

Kevan Gifford

Join our volunteer Board of Directors!

Serve as a voting member of the board with the authority and responsibility to develop policies, procedures, and regulations for the conduct of Camp Fire Walla Walla. Help shape the direction of the organization and contribute to its financial sustainability. If you're interested in applying for a position on the Camp Fire Walla Walla Board of Directors, please contact us for more information.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Current Openings:

Looking to gain experience in the youth development field AND have a ton of fun!? We are currently hiring for summer positions. Come join our team of awesome role models, motivators, educators, caregivers and spark champions.

Working at Camp Fire through both our after school program and summer program is an extremely rewarding experience. It’s an opportunity to help the youth of our community thrive and become leaders within their communities and peer groups.

At Camp Fire it is more than a way of life for the youth—it’s a way of life for everyone.

Camp Fire Walla Walla accepts employment applications at all times. To submit an application, please download and fill out the employment application and mail or bring in to our office at 414 S Park St, Walla Walla, WA 99362.

Join our team to help light the fire within.

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION