Archives West Finding Aid

The national organization of Camp Fire Girls originally began as a summer camp at Lake Sebago, Maine. In 1910, Luther and and Charlotte Gulick established a foundation for both the recreation and education of girls. The group was officially incorporated on March 15, 1912. Many of the original founders of the Boy Scouts in the U.S. were instrumental in shaping a program specifically designed for girls.

The actual date for the establishment of a local Camp Fire Girls group in Moscow is vague. According to information gleaned from the records, a Camp Fire Girls group may have been in existence as early as 1912, shortly after it was incorporated nationally. Brochures within the collection include some interesting bits and pieces of information from newsclippings and local lore. Two area women from both Moscow and Lewiston had participated in Camp Fire activities at Lake Sebago and personally knew the founders. They started small, informal clubs in their perspective towns.

It wasn't until 1951 that Camp Fire was officially incorporated in the state of Idaho as the Sacajawea Council. The national framework of the organization dictated that a regional office be established first followed by an area Council and then individual town "districts." The Sacajawea Council was located in Lewiston and Moscow became the district. One of Moscow Camp Fire Girls earliest and most stalwart sponsors was the Moscow Historical Club.

Club activities occurred year-round, but summer camp and day camp were especially popular. Day camp was at Camp Kenjockety on Moscow Mountain while the summer camp sessions were held at Camp Neewahlu on Lake Coeur d' Alene. Information concerning the Sacajawea Council can be found in History Highlights, 1910-1986: Tah-ol La Kah District, Sacajawea Council, Camp Fire, Inc. published in Moscow, ID in 1987.