Harriet Reece shared these memories of Camp Fire Girls in Orofino:

Camp Fire Girls were strong in the 1930's and 40's. During this time there were at least two groups in Orofino. I belonged to the one that met at the Houx home on Kalaspo Ave. In the early 40's I belonged to a group in Oklahoma City. The national organization was similar to Girl Scouts and based on nature. Just as Girl Scouts have Brownies for younger girls, Camp Fire Girls had Bluebirds.

There were four levels and members advanced by demonstrating certain skills in seven catagories. I can't remember all, but they included home, health, nature, first aid, handcrafts, forest lore. Two of the levels were "Wood Gathers," and "Torch Bearers," the highest. Each level had a motto that must be memorized. The Torch Bearer was quite short--"That light which has been given to me, I desire to pass, undimned, to others".

The uniforms consisted of navy blue skirts, white blouses and red boleros. For ceremonial times we had gowns similar to native American dress. We made headbands of glass beads and had "Indian names." For each task completed, we were given a wooden bead for that category and these were affixed to our ceremonial gown by leather thongs.

Orofino had a Camp Fire Cabin that was used by the community of special events. This was located at the lower end of Gilbert Grade and was within walking distance of Orofino. Camp Fire Girls used it for their ceremonies and some meetings as it was near the "forest."

Camp Sweyolakan was located on the shores of Coeur d'Alene Lake and we traveled there by boat for a week's stay in the summer where we learned to swim, forest lore, paddle "war canoes", make bead work, and make s'mores. There were lots of other activities that I can't recall right now. It was a good organization for young girls, but probably not politically correct in today's world.

"As fagots are brought from the forest, firmly bound by the sinews that bind them, I will cleave to my Camp Fire sisters, where ever, when ever I find them.... I will strive to be strong like a pine tree. To be true to my deepest desires--to be true to the truth that is in me, and to follow the law of the Fire."

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