Empowering Youth Through Sweet Collaborations with Puyallup
Native-Owned Chocolate Brand to Be Signature Fundraising Centerpiece for Youth to Learn Life Skills and Attend Camp
Camp Fire, a prominent national youth development nonprofit, has formed an exciting partnership with the Native-owned Puyallup Chocolates. This union aims to empower youth across the U.S. as they engage in valuable fundraising activities. The initiative enables young people to learn essential skills while supporting their participation in Camp Fire programs. Starting in early 2026, youth participants will have the opportunity to sell one of the finest chocolate brands in the world.
This collaborative effort features four of Puyallup Chocolates' standout products, which include Milk Chocolate Covered Grahams, Dark Chocolate Mint Stacks, Salted Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds, and Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries.
Puyallup Chocolates is proudly owned by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, a federally recognized Coast Salish tribe rooted in the Tacoma area. With over 6,000 members, the tribe is dedicated to using ethically sourced cacao beans, focusing on empowering cocoa farmers while promoting sustainable farming practices that help protect the environment.
The dedication to youth development and sustainability is a shared value between Camp Fire and Puyallup Chocolates, making this partnership truly meaningful. "We are thrilled to partner with such an impressive organization that shares our values of community, inclusion, and impact," expressed Shawna Rosenzweig, the CEO of Camp Fire. This milestone reflects Camp Fire's ongoing commitment to ending cultural appropriation and fostering authentic relationships with Native communities. By working together, they aim to not only promote chocolate sales but also cultivate vital skills such as goal setting, public speaking, money management, and entrepreneurship for the youth involved.
Matt Wadhwani, the CEO of Puyallup Tribal Enterprises, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in empowering youth. "The partnership is built on a shared commitment to equipping young people with the skills and confidence to shape their own futures. Together, we can fund programs that help develop financial confidence, leadership abilities, and cultural grounding in one comprehensive experience," he stated.
Since 2019, Camp Fire has actively sought to move away from practices that misappropriated Native cultures while focusing on building genuine, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities. This collaboration comes after the organization concluded a long-standing candy partnership and marks a new chapter for its fundraising efforts. Feedback from Camp Fire alumni, affiliates, and families indicated a desire for fresh fundraising approaches, leading to this new initiative with Puyallup Chocolates.
Furthermore, the mission of Puyallup Tribal Enterprises extends beyond chocolate sales and aims to elevate the social and economic conditions for the tribe’s youth. By creating opportunities that foster self-sufficiency and promote growth, the enterprises are also dedicated to the long-term well-being of the tribe's members. This collaboration reinforces a strong message of equity, ensuring that tribal youth receive equal support as their peers in the community.
Chocolate lovers eager to support this meaningful initiative can sign up for email updates on the upcoming chocolate sales when they launch, generating excitement and anticipation for both the youth and their supporters.
ABOUT CAMP FIRE
Camp Fire has been dedicated to youth development since its inception in 1910. The organization aims to connect young individuals to nature, their peers, and themselves. By providing safe spaces for genuine experiences, Camp Fire’s affiliates across 22 states conduct various programs that help young people cultivate essential life skills and make a positive impact in their communities.
ABOUT PUYALLUP CHOCOLATES
Puyallup Chocolates reflects the broader commitment of the Puyallup Tribe to create enduring economic opportunities while honoring its cultural heritage. As part of the Puyallup Tribal Enterprises, this venture contributes to a diverse array of community-focused initiatives while creating jobs and strengthening economic resilience for the tribe.
ABOUT THE PUYALLUP TRIBE OF INDIANS
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians, a sovereign nation rooted in the Northwest, comprises over 6,000 members devoted to serving their communities through generosity and sustainable practices. Their commitment to cultural heritage and economic development shapes a better future for the tribe's children and future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the partnership between Camp Fire and Puyallup Chocolates?
Camp Fire has partnered with Puyallup Chocolates to create a fundraising initiative where youth will sell premium chocolate products to raise money for Camp Fire programs.
How will this collaboration benefit the youth involved?
This initiative teaches essential life skills such as goal setting, public speaking, money management, and entrepreneurship while providing funds for attending Camp Fire programs.
What are the products being sold in this fundraiser?
The fundraiser features popular products like Milk Chocolate Covered Grahams, Dark Chocolate Mint Stacks, Salted Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds, and Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries.
When will the chocolate sales go live?
The fundraising efforts will commence at select Camp Fire affiliates in January and February 2026, with options for online purchases as well.
How can I stay updated on the fundraising chocolate sales?
You can sign up for email updates to receive notifications about the chocolate sales once they launch.
