Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® is right around the corner (third Thursday in March)! If you find yourself running a little low on creativity, here are some ideas to help get you started writing/telling a kid in your life why they are absolutely incredible:

+ Try using a different word than incredible: Is your kid amazing? Wonderful? Inspiring? Spectacular? Impressive? Great? Marvelous? Fantastic? What about a more specific characteristic? Is your kid creative? Passionate? Generous? Caring? Determined? Confident? Compassionate? Do they make you smile? Laugh? Proud? Excited? Challenged to think in a different way? Inspired? Energized? There are thousands of ways to express how incredible your kid is. Don’t feel that you have to settle for one word!

+ Use the platform they respond to the most! For a lot of kids, that is social media. Do they love Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, email, or text messages? If you’re on social media, post a photo of the kid you want to praise, and try a caption like this for your post!

• I’m always so impressed by how hard you work! Your passion inspires me and you teach me how to enjoy life. I am so thankful for you. #KidDay #AIKD
• You make me proud, not just today, but EVERYDAY! I am so fortunate that you are in my life. Keep being you, because who you are is #incredible! Happy #KidDay! #AIKD

+ An absolutely incredible kids doesn’t have to be your kid. Don’t have kids of your own? Today is still for you! Are you a teacher who knows an incredible student? Are you a volunteer that has been inspired by the generosity of a kiddo you work with? Are you a social worker? A coach? A neighbor? A sibling? Aunt or uncle? How you know your kiddo isn’t important – it’s how they have impacted your life! Let them know you are honored to know them!

+ Stick a note in their lunch box, on their pillow, in their car, or put your AIKD letter/postcard in the mail for them!

That’s not all!

+ Here are examples that our National Youth Advisory Cabinet put together a few ideas for how to send an encouraging note on #KidDay!

Dear Shiloh,

I think that you are an absolutely incredible kid. You were such a fantastic help as my counselor-in-training last summer. I really admire how hard you worked to make sure that all of our campers learned and had fun. I was especially impressed by how much you grew as a leader during camp. You were great in the beginning, but by the end of camp, you were absolutely fantastic. All of the campers really admired you, and I do too! Keep working hard, and you will continue to accomplish great things. I can’t wait to work with you again next summer!

All the best,

McKenzie

Hey Zach!

I just wanted to take the time to point out what an absolutely incredible kid you are! You are pawsitively a joy to be around with your bright personality and sense of humor. And with your hard work and compassion, you will continue to amaze those around you. Take time to sniff out your spark and learn what makes you the wonderful person you are. It would be catastrophic for you to not to be recognized on absolutely incredible kid day and all other days for your unique spark. Stay positive and enjoy what amazing things are coming your way!

-Sam

Connor,

Thank you for being an absolutely incredible kid! Being able to teach you swim lessons this summer was a blast. Seeing you grow and become a better swimmer made it all worthwhile. I hope to see you this summer again. Keep your school work up and have an amazing year.

See you later!

Maggie

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Here at Camp Fire, every day is about helping kids thrive. But we wanted to take one day a year to really do it BIG. That’s why we started Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® in 1997. Every year on the third Thursday of March, thousands of adults across the country join Camp Fire in lifting up young people…with the power of words.

Yep, words. On March 16, we’re asking for your voice. A few simple words can change the way kids see themselves, their strengths and even their futures.

Here are five ways you can make a big impact this Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®:

• Match the medium to the kid. Know a YouTube connoisseur? Make a video. A little artist? Draw a picture. An emoji prodigy? Send a text. An enthusiastic conversationalist? Make that phone call. A lover of the written word? Write a letter. Even if it means getting out of your own comfort zone, choose a format that fits the age, habits, and communication style of kid you’re encouraging.

• Go beyond incredible. Admirable. Amazing. Astonishing. Astounding. Awe-inspiring. Brilliant. Extraordinary. Formidable. Gifted. Impressive. Inventive. Marvelous. Notable. Outstanding. Remarkable. Splendid. Stunning. Super. Talented. Unreal. Wonderful. It doesn’t have to be “incredible.” Send a message that’s as unique as the kid you’re encouraging.
  And highlight more of who they ARE, not just what they do.

• Be specific about why they are incredible. Sure, it’s nice to be told you’re incredible. But it’s even better to know the details. Remember that we help kids develop a growth mindset when we praise their effort, strategies and progress. Instead of just saying “You’re incredible,” we can say, “You work really hard to make everyone in your class feel included.” Or “Your diligence in practicing the piano inspires me to keep practicing my own skills, too.” The more specific you are, the more encouragement you’ll give.

• Make it personal. Why do they matter to you? What difference do they make in your life? What have you learned from them? Is there something you wish someone would have told you at their age that you can pass on? Put some of your own story in the message, and it will mean twice as much.

• Keep it up. You don’t need to wait for next year to make a kid’s day. Put a reminder on your calendar to follow up on the message you sent in a week or a month. Support from caring adults is a key factor in helping kids thrive. Those few simple words of encouragement on a regular basis can literally change a young person’s life.

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Currently, the following Spring Break Camps have been Cancelled, March 23rd through April 24th

California residents have been asked to stay at home unless necessary. Summer Camps will begin on June 1st unless conditions call for an extension.  

Notice to our Families

The safety and health of all of our campers and staff is always our highest priority. Due to continued directives from San Diego County Health and California Department of Public Health regarding gatherings and social distancing, we have Cancelled our Spring Season. Canceled Camps will receive full refunds, including membership fees (if applicable). Summer Camps will begin on June 1st unless conditions call for an extension.  

We regret any inconvenience this causes to our families. We appreciate your support of Camp Fire San Diego – Camp CaHiTo and your understanding during this time. As the situation around novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the office at 619-291-8985 or email info@campfiresdi.org.

What is Camp CaHiTo Doing?

Camp Fire San Diego – Camp CaHiTo continues to follow CDC guidance, as well the guidance from public health departments at the State and County levels to keep our campers and staff populations safe and healthy. The safety and health of all of our campers and staff is always the highest priority. We have always taken great care to develop and maintain medical practices to address a variety of communicable diseases, both common and rare.

In accordance with guidance from the CDC, San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, California Department of Public Health, and the American Camping Association, we will be implementing required pre-camp and arrival day screening. Health Screening practices will begin before camp starts; we ask that parents and staff delay arrival if an individual has symptoms of fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, or if there is known exposure to COVID-19. Should an individual arrive at Camp with symptoms, Campers will not be allowed to stay.

Beyond our daily cleaning efforts, you can expect to see our staff cleaning frequently touched surfaces more often, throughout the facility. We will also be providing more hand sanitizers and scheduled handwashing times throughout the day for Campers.

We will continually be updating our policy as additional COVID-19 guidance is provided. Camp Cancellations will be made in accordance with guidelines from public health authorities, coupled with other considerations. We will be following all directives to reduce exposure at Camp and continue to update you if the public health department decides on: quarantines, Camp closures, and exclusion policies.

The Future

No one could have ever projected our current reality. As Camp Fire San Diego – Camp CaHiTo programs temporarily close, our staff will be doing everything we can to support our youth and securing the future of our organization during this crisis. 

Right now, our council is facing a funding gap due to our canceled Spring Camps. If you are so inclined and in a position to help Camp Fire San Diego navigate through this period of uncertainty and remain strong throughout the pandemic, please consider supporting us through a donation. We understand this might not be feasible for all households and may cause hardship.

We appreciate your support of Camp Fire San Diego – Camp CaHiTo and your understanding during this time. We hopefully will return soon to make a difference for the youth in our community. Click here to show your support.

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What we mean when we say “youth voice”

Youth voice is a phrase that encompasses the belief that young people should be able to have the agency and necessary tools to identify their needs and take action to meet them. Programs for young people should be guided by input from young people themselves. 

“Youth voice has always been at the center of everything Camp Fire does,” says Greg Zweber, President and CEO of Camp Fire National Headquarters. From our promise to our newest initiatives, youth voice plays an integral part in Camp Fire life. 

What can you do to integrate youth voice into your home, school or program? 

Youth voice means nothing if the adults aren’t listening. Work to create an environment where young people feel comfortable speaking up. Give them judgement-free space and time to reflect. Practice engaged, active listening, so kids know their opinions are valued.   

We’re adults. We know things. We think. But young people have a lot to teach us. Instead of assuming we know how to solve a problem—or assuming we know what the problem even is—ask. What do you need? What do you care about? What bothers you? What are the possible solutions? What do you dream about? How do you think we can get there? How can I help?

If your organization has a leadership team or a governing body, make space for young people at the table. In addition to its National Youth Advisory Cabinet, Camp Fire is working to help individual councils start their own and add youth members to their Boards of Directors. This ensures Camp Fire stays on track to help young people thrive—on their own terms.

Memberships on boards and cabinets can’t be just symbolic. If we want to really serve young people, we have to also let them lead. It can be unnerving to step back and let kids try out their ideas, risk failure, and learn through experience. But all across the country, youth-led Camp Fire programs, from Teens in Action to self-directed WoHeLo awards, are doing just that. A big part of youth voice is empowering young people to take their ideas from input to execution. 

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Camp CaHiTo day camps in Balboa Park have various themes to choose from and different activities each day; activities include hiking, archery, arts and crafts, sports, singing, swimming and much more.

Children must be at least 5-year’s old of age to attend Traditional Day Camps. Is your camper between the ages of 3-5? If so our Little Stars Program for campers under 5-year old is for them. If you have questions about your 5-year old’s appropriateness for either of our camps, please contact us.

Program

A typical day begins with all Campers meeting at their Color Groups.  At 9:05 am all groups will head to the Stage Area for Songs, Skits & Games.

All Campers will be called up by their counselor into small groups of children of the same age, with whom they will spend the entire session. Camp CaHiTo is a “group-centered” camp – meaning that our campers have the same counselor and peer group for the duration the camp session. Group-centered camping gives children the best opportunity to experience the powerful feeling of belonging, to make and keep new friends, and to connect with their counselors.

Campers participate in a range of activities, all of which are age-appropriate games, hikes, and crafts determined by the counselors to fit the theme of the week and what the group likes to do. Activities include Archery, Hiking, Low Ropes, Water Day Thursday, Art, and Crafts, Fort Building, Organized Games, Museums (for Campers 8 and older) and more.

We invite you and your child to come and check us out at one of our Upcoming Meet & Greets.

General Information

Camp CaHiTo located at 3101 Balboa Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. The west side of Balboa Park, conveniently located in Balboa Park near I-5 and the 163 freeways. The official traditional day camp hours are 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Drop off begins at 8:30 am and pick up needs to be by 3:30 pm. We do offer extended hours for a nominal additional fee, and morning extended hours start at 7:00 am and after hours end promptly at 6:00 pm. A snack will be provided during the pm extended hours.

What campers should bring to Camp

• A lunch. Refrigeration is not available; please do not send perishable foods. A small snack will be provided every day, or you can bring your own.
• A Water bottle with your campers names on it.
• Comfortable play clothes, as campers, WILL get dirty.
• Closed toed shoes and socks required. No sandals or open back shoes.
• A hat or cap and sunscreen.

Camp Groupings

(Age of Camper at start of Camp)
Starflight: 5-7 years old
Adventure: 8-10 years old
Discovery: 11-13 years old
DASH/CIT: Entering 9-12th Grade in the Fall

If you have additional questions about our Day Camps, check out our frequently asked questions, and/or contact our office staff at 619-291-8985 or email info@campfiresdi.org.

Camp Fire SD Membership

All campers must be a Camp Fire SD member for $25. Benefits include Member Only Discounts, Newsletters, Event Notification and optional Club Programming. Membership is valid for 365 days.

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We believe in the power of nature to awaken the senses and the desire to learn. Our camp and outdoor programs allow kids and teens to unplug from technology for a full week (or more!) and explore, grow, challenge themselves, make new friends, get out of their comfort zone, gain confidence, and make powerful memories that will have an impact on their lives.

Whether it’s overnight/resident camp, day camp, or environmental education, we teach critical life skills and offer activities like swimming, archery, hiking, canoeing, ropes courses, crafts, sports, theater, etc.

We encourage campers to make their own decisions, have fun, and seek adventure—with our highly trained, caring staff by their side every step of the way.

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