The Whittier Fire – July 2017

In just 45 harrowing minutes, the Whittier Fire of 2017 devastated one of Santa Barbara County’s most treasured landmarks, Camp Rancho Alegre. For over 50 years, this 215-acre haven nestled in the San Marcos Pass welcomed more than 10,000 young people annually. Scouts, schoolchildren, churches, business teams, and families all found community, reflection, and adventure here. Then, in a flash, 47 of its 50 buildings were gone.

But the fire wasn’t the end of our story,it was the beginning of something extraordinary.

A Bold Vision: Rebuilding for the Future

From the ashes rose a powerful, united movement. With fierce determination and generosity from supporters across Southern California, Camp Rancho Alegre has been fully reimagined and rebuilt. A monumental $16 million transformation created a modern, resilient campus with underground utilities, eco-conscious infrastructure, new roads, and beautiful fire-resistant lodges, cabins, and gathering spaces.

The Outdoor School: Where Wonder Becomes Wisdom

At the heart of this transformation was the return of The Outdoor School, our immersive, overnight environmental science program for 5th and 6th graders.

This isn’t just outdoor education. It’s hands-on discovery, connection, and transformation. Students explore wildlife, hike under stars, and learn about conservation in ways no textbook can offer. They grow in confidence, curiosity, and compassion, igniting passions in STEM, leadership, and stewardship.

Spring 2025: The Magic Returns

We’re thrilled to announce: Camp Rancho Alegre is open again, stronger, greener, and more inspiring than ever! In Spring 2025, we began welcoming:

• Up to 5,000 students annually through The Outdoor School
• 1,500 Scouts in year-round outdoor adventures
• 3,000+ additional users through public retreats, community events, mountain biking, and weekend group rentals

This is more than a comeback. It’s a legacy reborn—and it’s here for you.

Host. Gather. Explore.

Now more than ever, we need our camp in use.

Whether you’re planning a school retreat, church camp, leadership workshop, or family reunion—Camp Rancho Alegre is ready to welcome you. Our modern, nature-immersed facilities are perfect for day events, overnight stays, or weekend getaways for groups of all kinds.

Your group’s use of the camp helps sustain its future and keeps outdoor experiences accessible to youth and families across the Central Coast.

Be Part of the Story

If you care about youth, the environment, and community, join us.

🏕️ Book your retreat or event
🌿 Take a tour of the new camp
🌟 Make a gift or leave a legacy

Contact Dexter Ballard at dexter.ballard@scouting.org to get started.

Together, we’ve brought Camp Rancho Alegre back. Now, let’s keep it thriving, for every child, every family, and every unforgettable adventure to come.