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Camp Firefly
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Camp Firefly is a week-long summer camp run by the non-profit Firefly Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia, which was founded by married-couple film actors Kirk Cameron and Chelsea Noble.[1][2] It gives terminally ill children and their families a free week's vacation.[3]
Key Information
Inspired by Cameron's work with sick children when he was a television actor, Camp Firefly began around 1990 and focuses on also helping accompanying family members. Six or seven families attend each year's retreat, and as of 2012, over 100 families had attended, according to an interview with Cameron by Indiana Wesleyan University.[4] Theme nights during the camp week have included activities such as luaus, barn dancing, and safaris.[5]
The camp received a donation from Sherwood Baptist Church, in whose major 2008 film, Fireproof, Cameron had starred without payment.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "CNN Heroes: Meet The Blue Ribbon Panel". WIBW. September 30, 2009. Archived from the original on September 12, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
- ^ Celizic, Mike (September 23, 2008). "Kirk Cameron: I'll only kiss my wife". MSNBC. Archived from the original on December 12, 2008.
- ^ Ryon, Ruth (September 6, 1998). "Growing Pains Are Behind Him". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
- ^ "To Know Who I Am and Whose I Am" (PDF). Triangle. Indiana Wesleyan University. Spring 2012. p. 5. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
- ^ Loew, Madison (June 26, 2018). "The Arts Barn spreads love to community". Lake Oconee Breeze. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
- ^ Fisher, Luchina (October 3, 2008). "'Fireproof' shows Christian movies sell". ABC News. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
External links
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Camp Firefly
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History
Founding
Camp Firefly was founded in 1990 by actors Kirk Cameron and Chelsea Noble, who were inspired to create the program after meeting numerous terminally ill children and their families through the Make-A-Wish Foundation while working on the television series Growing Pains.[5][6] These encounters highlighted the emotional and physical toll of serious illnesses on young lives, prompting the couple to establish a supportive initiative for affected families.[7] The camp was initially set up as a free, week-long summer retreat under the newly formed non-profit Firefly Foundation. Held at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, the program provided an all-expenses-paid escape in the state's pine mountains, focusing on respite from medical routines through family-oriented experiences.[5][8] Rooted in the founders' Christian faith and commitment to family values, Camp Firefly was designed as a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity to offer joy and normalcy to children with life-threatening illnesses and their siblings, emphasizing hope and togetherness amid adversity.[9][10]Development and Milestones
Following its founding, Camp Firefly expanded from hosting a small initial group of six families in its early retreats to serving over 100 families cumulatively by the late 2000s, reflecting steady growth in its capacity to provide respite for those affected by serious childhood illnesses.[6] This progression involved logistical enhancements, such as greater reliance on a network of family, friends, and dedicated volunteers to manage the all-expenses-paid week-long programs, ensuring safe and supportive environments for participants.[6] A key milestone occurred in 2008 when proceeds from the film Fireproof, in which Kirk Cameron starred without compensation, were directed to the camp through his donated salary, bolstering facility improvements and long-term program sustainability.[11] Produced by Sherwood Pictures—a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church—the film's commercial success, grossing over $33 million on a modest budget, not only provided direct financial support but also elevated Camp Firefly's visibility within Christian communities, drawing increased awareness to its mission.[12] By the early 2010s, the camp had further scaled its impact, accommodating ongoing annual sessions while maintaining its intimate format of six to seven families per retreat to prioritize personalized care.[6] As of 2025, the camp has hosted more than 200 families over its 35 years of operation.[9] This evolution underscored the organization's commitment to resilience amid the unique needs of ill children and their families, with founders Kirk and Chelsea Cameron remaining actively involved in operations.[6]Organization
Structure and Governance
Camp Firefly operates as a program of The Firefly Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization classified under the National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) as a recreational and sporting camp focused on supporting children with serious illnesses.[3] The foundation, which administers the camp, is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee. The governance structure is led by founders Kirk Cameron, serving as president, and his wife Chelsea Noble (also known as Chelsea Cameron), who acts as vice president; both positions are uncompensated.[3] The board of directors includes additional members such as Lisa West and Joann Bullard, also in uncompensated roles, with one compensated director, Mark K. Collins, receiving $30,000 annually for management-related duties as of the 2023 tax year.[3] This leadership model emphasizes mission alignment, with the board overseeing operations to ensure the foundation's focus on providing hope and respite to affected families remains central. Operations are predominantly volunteer-driven, with the founders and their family personally staffing the camp alongside friends and community volunteers to facilitate family retreats.[13] Eligibility for participation is targeted at children with cancer, including those who are terminally or seriously ill, along with their immediate families, offering all-expenses-paid week-long summer experiences designed to foster connection and emotional renewal without providing medical treatment.[14][15] Safety protocols prioritize the well-being of medically fragile attendees through structured, supervised activities in a supportive environment, adhering to nonprofit ethical standards that underscore non-medical emotional support as the core offering.Facilities and Location
Camp Firefly is primarily located at Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, approximately 70 miles southwest of Atlanta, utilizing the resort's expansive 2,500-acre partnered campground tailored for family-oriented summer programs.[5][17] The facilities feature private villas and condominiums that serve as family lodging, providing comfortable accommodations for terminally and seriously ill children, their siblings, and parents in a serene, pine-mountain setting.[18] These lodgings are part of the resort's infrastructure, which includes dedicated activity areas such as pools and campfire sites suitable for group events, ensuring a supportive environment for participants.[18][19] To promote safety and inclusion for attendees with health challenges, the camp leverages the resort's accessibility adaptations, including paved, wheelchair-friendly paths and trails that facilitate mobility throughout the grounds.[20]Programs and Activities
Camp Format and Schedule
Camp Firefly follows an annual week-long summer camp format, held once per year to deliver an immersive respite experience for participants. The program spans 5-7 days, enabling families to step away from the demands of medical care and daily life, fostering a sense of normalcy and joy in a supportive setting.[21] The camp's schedule incorporates daily routines that balance structured group activities with designated free time, promoting both engagement and relaxation while adhering to safety protocols outlined in the organization's governance. Arrival and departure logistics are coordinated to minimize stress, typically beginning with family check-in on the first day and concluding with a reflective send-off on the final day, ensuring seamless family integration throughout the stay.[9] Eligibility is open to children diagnosed with terminal or serious illnesses, including their siblings and immediate family members, with all attendance provided at no cost to families as expenses are fully covered by the Firefly Foundation.[23]Specific Activities and Themes
Camp Firefly features a variety of themed nights designed to create moments of joy and normalcy for seriously ill children and their families, allowing them to escape the burdens of illness through engaging and whimsical experiences. One highlight is the Hawaiian luau, which includes group dances, Polynesian-inspired food, and festive decorations to encourage family participation and celebration.[24] Another popular event is the barn dance, featuring authentic bluegrass music, Irish jigs, tap dancing, drum parties, a campfire with roasted marshmallows, and fried treats, all aimed at building community and lighthearted fun.[2] The wild animal safari theme brings adventure with guided explorations and interactive animal encounters, fostering a sense of wonder and exploration in a safe, supportive setting.[24] In addition to these themed evenings, the camp offers recreational activities such as the Big Top Circus, where children and families participate in juggling, tightrope walking, cloud swings, and other thrilling performances to build confidence and create shared memories.[25] Other pursuits include bike rides in nature, pool time, tubing, piñata fiestas, sing-a-longs, s'mores roasting around campfires, and catching fireflies in jars, all tailored to be non-competitive and inclusive to accommodate varying energy levels and medical needs.[24] These elements emphasize family bonding, with dedicated time for rest and rejuvenation for all members, not just the ill child, promoting emotional healing through laughter and connection.[24] Specialized sessions like Mom's Make-over and Dad's Golf further strengthen familial ties by allowing parents to relax and reconnect in joyful ways.[24] The programming prioritizes emotional support and confidence-building in a medically supervised environment, ensuring activities are accessible and focused on positive experiences rather than competition, helping participants form lasting bonds and rediscover normalcy amid challenges. The camp remains active as of 2025, continuing to host small groups of families annually.[15]Impact
Attendance and Reach
Camp Firefly has served over 100 families since its inception, with cumulative attendance reaching more than 200 families as of 2025.[6][27] The camp hosts a single annual week-long session each summer, accommodating approximately six families per event to provide an intimate and personalized experience. The program's reach extends primarily across the United States, drawing participants from various regions including the Southeast, Midwest, and Northeast, such as families affiliated with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tennessee and Buffalo Children's Hospital in New York.[27] While based in Georgia, the camp is open to eligible families nationwide, with all expenses—including transportation—covered to assist those traveling from remote areas.[10][29] Participants are primarily children battling cancer or other serious and terminal illnesses, along with their immediate family members, including siblings, to foster holistic family support and respite from medical routines. This inclusive approach ensures that the entire family unit benefits from the camp's restorative environment.[10]Supporters and Funding
Camp Firefly relies primarily on private donations to fund its operations, ensuring that the week-long summer camp remains free for participating families of seriously ill children.[10] It solicits contributions through online platforms and sponsorship opportunities, where donors can support individual children, entire families, or specific camp activities such as travel or special events.[8] A significant early boost came from Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, which made a substantial donation to the camp in 2008 in lieu of paying Cameron for his starring role in the church-produced film Fireproof.[31] Cameron himself waived his acting fee for the project, directing the funds instead to Camp Firefly to support its mission of providing respite for terminally and chronically ill youth and their families.[32] This connection highlights ties to faith-based media endeavors, with proceeds from such projects contributing to the camp's sustainability. The volunteer base forms a cornerstone of the camp's support, with Cameron and Noble serving as chief volunteers alongside their family and a network of dedicated individuals.[33] These methods have enabled consistent operations since the camp's inception, with notable donation milestones such as the Sherwood contribution underscoring the role of strategic alliances in scaling impact.[34]References
- Feb 13, 2013 · Cameron, a father of six and husband to actress Chelsea Noble, founded Camp Firefly in 1989 to offer families of terminally ill children an ...
- Feb 24, 2009 · Camp Firefly is a camp my wife and I started when we were working together on Growing Pains. We met many children through the Make-A-Wish ...Missing: founded | Show results with:founded
- Sep 12, 2013 · "It's a camp my wife and I started with our family about 24 years ago, when we were working on Growing Pains. We were meeting lots of children ...
- The camp has been in operation for 32 years, Kirk and Chelsea still staff it with their family and friends, and have hosted more than 200 families from around ...
- Mar 24, 2025 · Camp Firefly is a camp for children who have cancer and their families. It takes place every summer with six families who come to have a respite.
- Camp Firefly is a very special and unique, once in a lifetime experience for terminally and seriously ill children and their families.FAQ
- Oct 5, 2008 · Some of the proceeds from the film will go to Mr. Cameron's children's charity, Camp Firefly. The movie is one of the more successful examples ...
- Sep 20, 2008 · It got started about 19 years ago. We met a lot of kids through the Make-A-Wish Foundation who came to see us on the set (of "Growing Pains").Missing: founded | Show results with:founded