Camp Rancho Alegre outdoor school reopens after devastating 2017 fire

On a scorching Saturday afternoon in July 2017, just hours after the Rancho Alegre Cub Scout Resident Camp had left for the week, the Whittier Fire ravaged the campgrounds, devastating the 217-acre site and destroying nearly 50 buildings. approximately 90 percent of the entire camp – in less than 45 minutes.

Fortunately, only a handful of young employees and an administrative assistant were still on site, and no one was injured as they fled alongside families fleeing nearby Lake Cachuma as flames jumped along the Highway 154.

But the devastating fire took its toll on the Rancho Alegre property, traditionally home to the outdoor school, run by the Los Padres Council for more than half a century to enable young people to acquire skills. essential skills and an appreciation of nature. through the fundamental principles of Scouting America. At that time, hundreds of thousands of children attended summer camps at this same site, which also hosted various retreats and wilderness getaways.

“This calamity has dealt a significant blow to our organization and has profoundly impacted the outdoor education landscape within the communities of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties,” said Carlos Cortez, executive director of the Council of Los Padres and the outdoor school.

Today, after nearly six years of rebuilding and restoring the campgrounds, through the combined efforts of the Los Padres council and the local community, the outdoor school announced it will fully reopen for the first time times for the 2024-2025 school year. .

“It’s so exciting to be back as Head of Outdoor School and welcoming back local schools, allowing us to continue to provide valuable and enriching experiences for students and teachers said Amanda Chick, Outdoor School Camp Director.

This spring, the outdoor school held a “soft opening” with 5th and 6th grade campers from 11 local elementary schools to test out the new campgrounds, which can accommodate more than 150 campers per week and are expected soon accommodate more than 5,000 campers. school year.

The rebuilding effort, as detailed on the Rancho Alegre website, faced unexpected delays during the pandemic and included estimated construction costs of more than $18 million due to significant damage to residential cabins, dormitories and the camp's water and sewage infrastructure.

“While dealing with the aftermath of the destruction caused by the 2017 fire was a challenge,” Cortez said, “it also created an opportunity to dream big for our children. »

“Thanks to local community leaders, supporters and construction crews, our dream is becoming a reality,” he said. “We look forward to providing all our local youth with a life-changing outdoor experience for the next century.” »

For more information or to register for the 20245-2025 Outdoor School term, visit theoutdoorschool.org.