Nearly destroyed by fire four years ago, Camp Rancho Alegre, Outdoor School drawing closer to reopening
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. -- Four years after the Whittier Fire nearly destroyed Camp Rancho Alegre and The Outdoor School, a rebuilding project continues to progress and is moving closer to completion.
The site, located along Highway 154 near Cachuma Lake, has been the longtime home of a popular camp that hosts thousands of scouts and elementary school students each year.
In July 2017, the fire wiped out 47 of the 50 structures on the 211 acre property.
Ever since, the Los Padres Council, Boy Scouts of America, which operates the camp, has been determined to rebuild the camp and restore the educational facility.
It created a fundraising effort called the Phoenix Campaign to help rebuild the facilty.
The campaign has now raised more than $13 million and has helped the Los Padres Council fund the construction of several new buildings.
Construction is scheduled to continue at the property for at least another year, with a goal of reopening sometime in mid-2022.
Learn more about the Rancho Alegre rebuilding project tonight on NewsChannel 3-12 at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.