Campfire Conversations
At the beginning of this school year, Back2Youth hosted a three-day, two-night camp at the Oregon coast — a retreat filled with adventure, laughter, and moments of stillness that seemed to hold their own quiet lessons. For ten campers — six boys and four girls, ranging from eleven to seventeen years old — it was more than a chance to hike, run, and explore. It was an invitation to learn about themselves, each other, and the deeper values that shape who they are becoming.
We filled the days with energy and curiosity. From racing across the sand dunes of Honeyman State Park to walking along the Florence boardwalk, from camp games, to night hikes under a blanket of stars, every activity carried its own flavor of discovery. The kids bonded through shared challenges and simple joys, and yet, when I look back, the memory that shines the brightest wasn’t about the dunes or the boardwalk. It was at the campfire on our last night, where glowing flames and sticky marshmallows created the setting for laughter, reflection, and a deeply profound conversation.
Earlier that day, we posed a choice to the group as we wandered the boardwalk: ice cream now, or s’mores later at the fire. Eight chose ice cream immediately, unable to resist the cold sweetness in the moment. Two chose to wait, saving their appetite and excitement for the promise of roasting marshmallows later on.
The scene that unfolded became its own lesson. The ice cream eaters laughed, smiled, and savored their cones, while the two “waiters” quietly observed. Hours later, when the fire blazed and marshmallows turned golden on sticks, the roles reversed. The patient two leaned into their reward, satisfied and content, while the ice cream group looked on with envy, perhaps even wishing they had chosen differently.
It was more than a snack choice. It was a tangible example of instant gratification versus delayed reward — an illustration of how patience, though difficult in the moment, often brings a deeper joy. For the campers, it was a small but powerful glimpse into a truth that will follow them into every stage of life: sometimes waiting is worth it.
A Lively Back2Youth Bonfire! From 2025’s September Beach Weekend Campout.
That night’s fire circle wasn’t just for s’mores. The air was filled with laughter as we played games like telephone, where a simple phrase whispered around the circle would unravel into something hilariously unrecognizable by the end. The laughter wasn’t forced — it came naturally, spilling over into smiles that softened everyone’s guard.
These moments of fun did more than pass time. They built trust, broke down walls, and reminded us all that joy is a powerful form of connection. Sometimes the best way to create community is through shared silliness, through games that remind us that belonging doesn’t need to be complicated — it only needs to be authentic.
What moved me most that night was the shift that came after the laughter. As the stars emerged and the fire settled into a steady crackle, the kids began to talk. The conversations started lighthearted, goofy, and casual. But slowly, almost without notice, they deepened.
They began to talk about self-control. About their future goals. About what it might mean to grow into contributing members of society. The words weren’t formal or rehearsed; they carried the freshness of genuine thought, shaped by curiosity and honesty. There was something striking about hearing teenagers, often underestimated for their depth, begin to wrestle with big ideas in such a natural way.
The campfire became more than a source of warmth. It became a space of wisdom-sharing, where young voices rose with insights that could rival any classroom discussion. Their
reflections weren’t just “wise for their age” — they were reminders that sometimes, youth see the world with a clarity adults forget to notice.
Looking back, what defined the camp wasn’t the thrill of the adventures or the taste of the treats. It was the small, subtle moments of growth. The decision to wait for s’mores. The way laughter turned strangers into teammates. The courage to share vulnerable thoughts under a starry sky.
Back2Youth’s camps aren’t designed to hand out answers; they are built to create space. Space where kids can test their choices, reflect on what they value, and recognize that they already have wisdom inside them. The outdoors becomes more than a backdrop — it’s a teacher, whispering lessons of patience, joy, and resilience.
For these ten campers, the Oregon coast was more than a trip. It was a reminder that empowerment doesn’t always come in the form of big milestones. Sometimes it arrives in small choices, silly games, and late-night conversations that speak louder than lectures. And maybe the greatest lesson they carried home was this: in a world that pushes us to rush, compete, and consume, there is strength in slowing down. There is wisdom in waiting. And there is a sweetness, like that of roasted marshmallows, that only patience can bring.
Empowerment isn’t about perfection or instant results. It’s about learning through moments, big and small, that shape our character. At Back2Youth, those moments come alive around campfires, on trails, and in the laughter of young people discovering who they are meant to be.
BONUS POINTS:
Have your own unforgettable Campfire Convo!
Invite your trusted friends to join you in an evening of hot beverages around a dedicated campfire. (Or around an indoor fireplace, if outdoor options aren’t available). Ask them to deep dive with you, while leaving phones off or at home, so the quality time together can be really potent and memorable.
Some ideas to ignite fun, lively and more meaningful chats…
Start with curiosity and a desire to learn more about your friends with an open mind.
Play your own game of ‘telephone’ - to discover how easily communications can be misunderstood or mistranslated - and often though no intention of the translator.
Laugh at the results. Then chat about ideas where communications might have been improved, while depersonalizing any results, and recognizing any opportunities for forgiveness around past experiences that may have be clouded by misunderstandings or over personalizing experiences. (A resilience + forgiveness building exercise).
Article written + submitted to Back2Youth by Outdoor Leader, Sadie Hanalei Mageo.
Thank you Sadie! It’s an honor to share your insight, enthusiasm + heart with our growing commUNITY. - The B2Y Team
Sadie Hanalei Mageo
OUTDOOR LEADER + GUEST JOURNAL CONTRIBUTOR
Sadie grew up between Oregon and Samoa, where her love for both nature and culture was shaped by family, athletics, and adventure.
As a professional model and the reigning Miss Eugene Volunteer 2025–2026, she brings creativity, confidence, and leadership into every space she serves. Currently a student at New Hope Christian College studying Pastoral Studies, Sadie is passionate about weaving faith, mentorship, and the outdoors into opportunities that inspire and uplift local youth.
Sadie believes that nature is one of the best classrooms, for developing courage, teamwork, and self-discovery. She is honored to support and guide B2Y campers to connect with the land, embrace new challenges, and grow in their potential and resilience.