Camp Fire Club
The Camp Fire Club of America was organized in 1897 to bring together hunters, anglers, explorers, naturalists, and individuals who subscribe to the principles of adventure and fellowship in the great outdoors, and to further the interests of sports afield and wildlife conservation. The name is derived from the camaraderie found among the warmth of a camp fire after a day in the field. Field and Stream Magazine originated as the official newsletter of the Camp Fire Club of America.
The organization's primary focus is upon conservation and the practice and continuation of outdoor skills including hunting, fishing, canoeing and camp craft. The organization has hosted "outing" events for over a century, which involve competitions in these various outdoor sports.
The organization also functions as a conservation and environmental group, with a focus upon the preservation of the natural environment, habitat, forests and wildlife preservation through the . Camp Fire Club was instrumental in many of the biggest environmental efforts of the 19th and 20th centuries including: saving the American Bison in 1905, passing the Fur Seal Preservation Act in 1909, the founding of Glacier National Park in 1910, and the passing of the Plumage Bill in 1910. Camp Fire Club continues to support conservation through a variety of efforts nationwide and globally.
Camp Fire Club has had some notable members including: Theodore Roosevelt, Boy Scouts of America founding members Daniel Carter Beard and Ernest Thompson Seton, founder of the Bronx Zoo William Hornaday, founder of modern taxidermy Carl Akeley, conservation giants Gifford Pinchot, 'Buffalo Bill' Cody, David Abercrombie, Ezra Fitch, and Zane Grey.
The Camp Fire Club of America is located at 230 Camp Fire Rd. Chappaqua, NY 10514.
