Los Padres Council, Boy Scouts of America is excited to announce a new partnership with Justin Brooks Fisher Foundation in the effort to rebuild Camp Rancho Alegre and its beloved Outdoor School. Their generous gift of $60,000 will be applied toward the completion of a dorm that will house 30 campers and their teachers.

In July 2017, the Whittier Fire destroyed 94 percent of camp structures and burned through all 215 acres of Camp Rancho Alegre, cutting short this invaluable opportunity for so many children and their families. In response to the fire, Los Padres Council launched the Phoenix Campaign to raise $18 million for the restoration and rebuilding of Camp Rancho Alegre. Officials are proud to report that, thanks to hundreds of donors, generous business owners, and dozens of foundations like the Justin Brooks Fisher Foundation, as of May 1, 2023, $14,875,000 has been secured.

The Outdoor School has been offering unique environmental and camping experiences for school children for over 50 years. Because of the Council’s hard-working volunteers serving on the Phoenix Campaign fundraising committee, it also has announced the reopening of The Outdoor School for the 2023-24 school year. Though there is still much building that needs to be completed, many buildings are ready to welcome campers and Outdoor School staff.

“Since the fire, over 20,000 students have not been able to attend The Outdoor School,” said Carlos Cortez, executive director of Los Padres Council. “We can’t wait to welcome the first bus load of children to come to camp once again!”

Camp Rancho Alegre is located on the San Marcos pass and serves Scouts and other community organizations from Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

For more information on the rebuilding efforts, tours of the camp, and to learn of opportunities to get involved in this essential community project, please explore https://campranchoalegre.com/ .