Sweet Shift: Camp Fire Dumps Tradition for Ethically Sourced Chocolate, Tribal Partnership

National Youth Organization Partners with Puyallup Tribe to Fund Programs, Address History of Cultural Appropriation

November 12, 2025 – After a 70-year run, the iconic Camp Fire mint is being retired. But this isn’t simply a change in confectionery; it’s a strategic shift reflecting a national organization’s commitment to ethical sourcing, cultural sensitivity, and a new economic partnership with the Puyallup Tribe of Washington. Camp Fire, a youth development organization serving communities across the U.S., announced today a new fundraising initiative featuring handcrafted chocolates from Puyallup Tribal Enterprises (PTE), the economic development arm of the Puyallup Tribe.

The decision to move away from Brown & Haley, its long-time candy provider, wasn't driven by dissatisfaction, but by practical limitations. “Production constraints at Brown & Haley made continuing that partnership unsustainable,” explained a source familiar with the decision. However, the timing is also deeply connected to Camp Fire’s ongoing five-year journey to address and dismantle practices of cultural appropriation within its programming.

A Legacy of Appropriation and a Path to Repair

For decades, Camp Fire—like many youth organizations—incorporated Native American imagery, names, and traditions into its activities, often without understanding or respect for their origins. These practices, now widely recognized as harmful, perpetuated stereotypes and contributed to the erasure of Indigenous cultures. In 2019, Camp Fire launched an ambitious initiative to identify and eliminate these harmful elements, a process that involved extensive consultation with Native communities and the establishment of a dedicated task force.

“It was a painful process,” admitted one member of the task force. “We had to confront the fact that we had been unintentionally causing harm for generations. But we were committed to doing the work necessary to repair that damage.”

The organization has since renamed camps and programs with appropriative names, removed harmful stereotypes from guidebooks, and retired offensive emblems. Perhaps most significantly, it has forged new partnerships with Native organizations, including the National Indian Education Association, to co-create culturally relevant programming and ensure that Indigenous voices are centered in all aspects of its work.

“This isn’t just about changing names and logos,” emphasized a representative from the National Indian Education Association. “It’s about building genuine relationships based on respect and reciprocity. It’s about empowering Native youth and creating spaces where they can thrive.”

A Sweet Opportunity: Economic Partnership with the Puyallup Tribe

The new partnership with PTE represents a natural extension of Camp Fire’s commitment to ethical sourcing and cultural sensitivity. The chocolates, handcrafted using high-quality ingredients and ethically sourced cocoa through the Cocoa Horizons program, will provide a reliable revenue stream for Camp Fire’s youth programs. But the benefits extend far beyond financial considerations.

PTE, a diversified economic enterprise with interests in hospitality, construction, and manufacturing, sees the partnership as an opportunity to showcase the Tribe’s economic strength and commitment to sustainable development. “This aligns perfectly with our mission to maximize the social and economic value of tribal assets,” said a PTE representative. “We are committed to creating jobs and building a sustainable future for our people.”

The partnership also demonstrates a growing trend of Native American tribes asserting economic sovereignty and pursuing opportunities for diversification beyond traditional casino revenues. “Tribes are increasingly recognizing the importance of economic independence,” explained an expert in tribal economic development. “They are leveraging their assets and expertise to create new businesses and build wealth for their communities.”

The shift to ethically sourced chocolate is symbolic of a broader movement within the youth development sector toward greater accountability and social responsibility. “Young people are demanding that organizations align their values with their actions,” said a youth development professional. “They want to support businesses that are committed to making a positive impact on the world.”

Beyond Fundraising: Investing in Youth and Cultural Understanding

While the fundraising aspect is significant, the partnership with PTE goes beyond simply selling chocolate. Camp Fire is committed to integrating cultural understanding into its programming, providing opportunities for youth to learn about Native American history, traditions, and contemporary issues.

“We want to create spaces where young people can engage in meaningful dialogue with Native communities,” said a Camp Fire program director. “We want to empower them to become advocates for social justice and cultural equity.”

The organization is also exploring opportunities to co-create programs with Native youth, providing them with leadership development and entrepreneurial skills. “We believe that Native youth have a unique perspective to share,” said a representative from the National Indian Education Association. “We want to empower them to become the next generation of leaders.”

The transition from a 70-year tradition to a new partnership isn’t without its challenges. However, Camp Fire’s commitment to ethical sourcing, cultural sensitivity, and economic empowerment promises a sweeter, more sustainable future for both the organization and the communities it serves. The move reflects a larger reckoning within youth development and a growing understanding that true progress requires dismantling harmful practices and building genuine relationships based on respect and reciprocity. As one source succinctly put it, “This isn’t just about changing the candy; it’s about changing the system.”

Contact:
[Camp Fire Media Contact]
[Puyallup Tribal Enterprises Media Contact]