Why Your Gift to Camp Fire Columbia Matters: Supporting Camp Namanu’s Programs, People, and Future

Over the past year, many in our community have asked an important question:

“What’s the difference between donating to Camp Fire Columbia and donating to the Camp Namanu 501c3?”

It’s a great question—and one that deserves transparency, clarity, and appreciation for the passion behind it. Both organizations are tax-deductible 501(c)3 nonprofits, and both play vital, complementary roles in the life of Camp Namanu. But they support the camp in different, equally essential ways.

This Giving Tuesday, we want to share why a donation to Camp Fire Columbia is one of the most impactful gifts you can make right now to sustain Camp Namanu’s heart, its programs, and the dedicated staff who make camp magic possible year-round.

⭐ Donating to Camp Fire Columbia: Fueling Camp Namanu’s Programs and People

Camp Fire Columbia oversees the operations, programming, and staff leadership that make Camp Namanu thrive. When you donate to Camp Fire Columbia—whether as a one-time donor or through the Fern Society monthly model ($60+/year)—you are directly supporting the living, breathing soul of camp.

Your gift keeps Camp Namanu strong by supporting:

🌲 Camp Namanu Operations & Programs

• Summer Camp

• Family Camp

• New programs in development

  
  

These are the experiences that create lifelong friendships, independence, creativity, courage, and the kind of joy that keeps families coming back generation after generation.

🛠 Camp Namanu Property Maintenance

While the Camp Namanu 501c3 handles preservation and large-scale property projects, Camp Fire Columbia supports day-to-day, essential maintenance—ensuring cabins are safe, facilities are functional, and the property remains a welcoming place for every camper.

👥 The Camp Fire Columbia Staff

Who Make It All HappenYour donation directly supports the talented, passionate staff who keep Namanu running smoothly and with heart:

• Gina “Sprout” Sander – Executive Director

• Sammie “Tavie” Hagen – Program Director

• Burt “Puck” Keplinger – Property Director

• Martin “Apollo” Chasehill – Business Director

• Kellen “Mud” Bateham – Assistant Property Director

• Cyric “Lugnut” Willard – Rentals Manager

• Alea “Pacific” Armintrout – Registrar

• Grace “Rain” Pemba – Grants Manager

  
  

This team works tirelessly to build programs, maintain the land, support campers, and carry forward the traditions and values that have defined Namanu for nearly a century.

⭐ How this Differs from the Camp Namanu 501c3

The Camp Namanu 501c3 is solely dedicated to preserving and protecting the historic and cultural heritage of Camp Namanu. Donations to that entity—often through its Caretaker’s Circle ($1200+/year)—are earmarked for capital improvements and major property projects.

Both organizations are essential, and both work together closely. In fact, Camp Fire Columbia and the Camp Namanu Board hold joint meetings to ensure alignment on financial and operational strategies. But each nonprofit plays a different role in stewarding the camp’s future.

⭐ Why Give to Camp Fire Columbia Today?

Because your gift supports:

• The programs that build resilient, compassionate youth

• The staff who teach, support, and care for our campers

• The essential daily operations that make every week of camp possible

• The future development of new, inclusive, and engaging programs

And because supporting Camp Fire Columbia means supporting the heart of Namanu—not just the land, but the people and experiences that bring it to life.

If you believe in the power of Camp Namanu’s programs, its community, its traditions, and its dedicated staff, then supporting Camp Fire Columbia is one of the most meaningful ways to give back.

🌿 Join the Fern Society – Make a Lasting Impact

For as little as $60 a year, you can join the Fern Society, Camp Fire Columbia’s monthly donor model, and become part of a community of supporters who help keep camp experiences accessible, joyful, and transformative for thousands of youth and families.

Your generosity today helps ensure that Camp Namanu—and the mission of Camp Fire Columbia—continues to grow, evolve, and inspire for the next 100 years.

Thank you for caring, for asking questions, and for supporting the organizations that help Camp Namanu thrive.