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In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Carlos Cortez, Scout Executive & CEO at Scouting America Los Padres Council & The Outdoor School, to learn more about the nonprofit’s vision of a community where children are loved and valued.
Scouting America Los Padres Council & The Outdoor School
Question: What is the name of your nonprofit, and what is its mission?
Answer: The mission of Scouting America Los Padres Council is to prepare young people in all of our communities to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Scout Oath: On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my Country and to obey the Scout Law. To help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
Scout Law: A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.
Q: How is your nonprofit primarily funded, and what are its biggest needs right now?
A: Los Padres Council, Scouting America, is primarily funded through a mix of individual donations, community and corporate giving, fundraising events, program fees, and foundation grants.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our work is sustained by the generosity of individuals, businesses, and community partners who believe in the power of Scouting and outdoor education to transform young lives.
Our Outdoor School at Camp Rancho Alegre, serving thousands of 4th–6th grade students annually, operates largely through school contracts and philanthropic support that make hands-on science and environmental education accessible to all, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
Right now, our greatest needs include:
Capital investment to complete the final phase of the Rancho Alegre rebuild after the 2017 Whittier Fire. We are in the midst of a multi-year, $19 million restoration effort, with $3 million still to raise.
Program scholarships funding to ensure equitable access for low-income and rural students attending The Outdoor School and Scouting programs.
Support for facilities and sustainability improvements, including a new health lodge, dining hall repairs, and expanded water infrastructure to accommodate our growing Outdoor School enrollment.
Volunteer and community engagement to help us expand outreach and provide leadership opportunities for local youth.
Every dollar invested helps us create lasting impact—empowering youth with leadership skills, environmental stewardship, and a sense of belonging through the transformative experiences of Scouting and outdoor education.
Q: How do you allocate your funding to support your mission?
A: At Los Padres Council, Scouting America, every dollar we receive is strategically invested to advance our mission of preparing young people for life through character development, leadership training, outdoor education, and community service.
Our funding is allocated across three primary areas:
Youth Programs and Outdoor Education (approximately 60%)
Supports year-round Scouting programs in local communities, serving thousands of youth across the Central Coast.
Funds The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre, providing immersive, science-based environmental education to 4th–6th graders from public and private schools throughout the region.
Ensures financial aid and scholarships so that cost is never a barrier for participation.
Camp and Property Operations (approximately 25%)
Covers maintenance, utilities, insurance, and continued reconstruction and facility upgrades at Camp Rancho Alegre, which was largely rebuilt following the 2017 Whittier Fire.
Includes investment in sustainability projects such as new water systems, a health lodge, and infrastructure to support both Scouting and Outdoor School programs.
Administrative and Development Support (approximately 15%)
Provides essential resources for staff, volunteer training, safety, compliance, and fundraising efforts that keep our programs strong and growing.
Ensures accountability, transparency, and stewardship of every contribution.
Our approach to funding is guided by fiscal responsibility and mission impact. We prioritize direct services to youth and education, maintaining lean administrative costs while maximizing community benefit.
Each contribution directly fuels experiences that inspire leadership, environmental stewardship, and lifelong values among young people.
Q: What types of events or programs do you run to engage your community and raise funds?
A: Los Padres Council, Scouting America, and The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre host a variety of events and programs designed to engage our community, celebrate local leadership, and raise vital funds to support youth development and outdoor education.
Our signature fundraising event, Salute to Scouting, is a community leader recognition dinner at The Santa Barbara Club. The event honors outstanding community leaders, celebrates youth accomplishments, and raises crucial support for scholarships, camp improvements, and Scouting programs across the Central Coast.
We also engage the community through Friends of Scouting campaigns, corporate partnerships, and foundation grants, as well as volunteer service projects, camp open houses, and community days at Camp Rancho Alegre—inviting families, schools, and local organizations to experience the transformative power of Scouting and outdoor learning firsthand.
Together, these events strengthen community ties while ensuring every young person has the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive in the outdoors.
Q: How can people get involved with your nonprofit or volunteer?
A: There are many meaningful ways for individuals, families, and organizations to get involved with Scouting America Los Padres Council and The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre—whether through volunteering, partnerships, or financial support.
1. Volunteer with Scouting Programs
Become a Scout leader or mentor: Adults can volunteer as troop, pack, or crew leaders to guide youth in developing leadership, outdoor, and life skills.
Support local units: Volunteers help organize community service projects, camping trips, and merit badge programs throughout our council territory.
Share your expertise: Local professionals and community members can serve as merit badge counselors, teaching valuable career and life skills.
2. Volunteer at Camp Rancho Alegre
Facility and grounds support: Individuals and groups can assist with ongoing camp maintenance, landscaping, and improvement projects as part of our continued rebuild efforts.
Program enrichment: Volunteers can help deliver nature and STEM lessons at The Outdoor School, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
3. Serve on Committees or the Board
Community leaders are invited to lend their expertise by serving on advisory boards, event committees, or special projects that strengthen our outreach, fundraising, and operations.
4. Attend or Sponsor Events
Participate in signature community fundraisers such as Salute to Scouting, or sponsor youth scholarships and camp facilities to help ensure every child can experience Scouting and outdoor learning.
5. Donate or Partner
Financial gifts, corporate partnerships, and in-kind donations help us expand our reach and continue rebuilding Rancho Alegre as a vibrant center for youth education.
To get involved, visit www.lpcbsa.org
or contact our council office in Santa Barbara. Together, we can empower young people to grow in leadership, character, and a love for the outdoors.
Q: What sets your nonprofit apart from similar organizations?
A: What makes Los Padres Council, Scouting America, and The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre unique is our deep-rooted commitment to youth leadership, outdoor education, and community impact—brought together under one unified mission.
1. A Dual Mission: Leadership and Environmental Education
Few organizations offer the powerful combination we do. Through Scouting programs and The Outdoor School, we develop youth who are both leaders and environmental stewards. Our programs blend hands-on learning with values-based character education, teaching young people not just to achieve, but to serve.
2. A Legacy of Service and Resilience
After the devastating 2017 Whittier Fire destroyed Camp Rancho Alegre, we undertook a remarkable $19 million rebuild to restore and reimagine the camp as a modern educational facility. Our resilience reflects the spirit of Scouting itself—turning challenges into opportunities to grow stronger and serve more youth.
3. Local Impact with Generational Reach
Serving families across the Central Coast—from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo and Ventura Counties—our programs reach thousands of youth annually. Many alumni go on to become community leaders, educators, and professionals who continue to embody the values they learned through Scouting and The Outdoor School.
4. Accessibility and Inclusion
We are committed to ensuring that every young person, regardless of background or ability to pay, can experience the transformative power of the outdoors. Through scholarships, transportation assistance, and community partnerships, we remove barriers to participation for underserved and rural students.
5. Stewardship of a Unique Learning Environment
Our 215-acre campus at Rancho Alegre, nestled in the Los Padres National Forest, offers one of California’s most distinctive outdoor classrooms. Students and Scouts alike engage in outdoor-based, hands-on learning in a setting that inspires curiosity, respect for nature, and teamwork.
6. Proven Leadership and Community Trust
Led by a team of seasoned professionals and dedicated volunteers, Los Padres Council has a century-long history of developing ethical leaders and strengthening communities. Our commitment to safety, accountability, and long-term impact has earned the trust of schools, families, and civic partners across the region.
Q: Can you share a fun fact or little-known detail about your nonprofit that would surprise people?
A: A fun fact that surprises many people is that Scouting now serves both girls and boys ages 5 to 20—and at Los Padres Council, we’re proud to see entire families growing together through the Scouting experience!
Our Outdoor School at Camp Rancho Alegre is one of the few facilities in California that functions as both an outdoor science school and a Scouting camp. Each year, thousands of 4th–6th grade students explore our 215-acre property, often seeing the Milky Way for the first time while learning hands-on lessons in science, ecology, and leadership.
Even more special, Camp Rancho Alegre is available for use by other nonprofits and community organizations, providing a beautiful and educational space for retreats, trainings, and youth programs.
Rebuilt after the 2017 Whittier Fire, Rancho Alegre reopened in 2023 as a modern, sustainable campus that continues to inspire future generations of leaders and environmental stewards.
Q: Could you share a story or two about individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by your organization?
A: One of the most inspiring stories from The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre comes from a 5th-grade student from a local public school who had never spent a night away from home.
During her four days at camp, she not only discovered a love for nature but also found her voice—leading her group in a nature hike and sharing her dream of becoming a scientist. Months later, her teacher wrote to tell us that the experience “changed how she saw herself—now she believes she can do anything.”
Another story comes from a local Scout who joined as a shy 11-year-old and, through years of camping, community service, and leadership training, grew into a confident young adult.
He recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout and is now mentoring younger Scouts while studying environmental science in college—his inspiration rooted in the lessons learned at Camp Rancho Alegre.
These stories reflect what makes Los Padres Council special: we don’t just teach skills—we build character, confidence, and lifelong leaders who give back to their communities.
Q: What makes your organization trustworthy for donors, and are there other ways people can support your cause beyond donations?
A: Los Padres Council, Scouting America, has earned the trust of donors and partners through a long history of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and measurable impact. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a strong record of stewardship—maximizing every dollar to directly benefit youth programs, outdoor education, and community service initiatives.
Our leadership team includes experienced professionals and dedicated volunteers who ensure that resources are used efficiently and aligned with our mission. We maintain clear financial reporting, annual audits, and oversight from both our Executive Board and the national Scouting organization, reinforcing our commitment to accountability and ethical governance.
Beyond monetary gifts, people can support our cause by:
Volunteering as Scouting leaders, Outdoor School educators, or event helpers.
Sponsoring scholarships for underserved youth or classroom programs.
Partnering with us to host service projects, community events, or professional mentorship opportunities.
Using Camp Rancho Alegre for nonprofit or community programs, helping sustain its role as a shared public resource.
Every contribution—of time, talent, or treasure—helps us empower youth and strengthen our community for generations to come.
Q: Can you highlight one immediate goal and one long-term vision your nonprofit aims to achieve in the next year?
A: Our immediate goal is to increase the number of youth we serve through Scouting programs and The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre by expanding outreach to new schools, families, and communities across the Central Coast.
We will also continue enhancement projects at Camp Rancho Alegre, including upgrades to facilities, construction of the health lodge, construct solar power infastructure, sustainability systems, and program spaces that support safe, high-quality outdoor experiences for all participants.
Long-Term Vision:
Our long-term vision is to establish Los Padres Council and Camp Rancho Alegre as the premier youth leadership development organization on California’s Central Coast. We aim to create a dynamic and inclusive environment where young people gain confidence, character, and leadership skills through outdoor education, adventure, and service.
By building strong community partnerships and ensuring equitable access, we will continue shaping future leaders who embody the values of Scouting and stewardship of the natural world.
Click here to support Scouting America Los Padres Council & The Outdoor School’s mission to prepare young people in all of our communities to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Check out Noozhawk’s Guide to Giving for a full list of nonprofits to donate to this giving season.
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