Boy Scouts hold benefit concert in Solvang for camp destroyed by Whittier Fire
Boy Scout troop 41 put on a benefit concert Saturday night to raise money to help rebuild their beloved Rancho Alegre camp.
The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre near Lake Cachuma was destroyed during the Whittier fire in July.
The event featured food and drink, a silent auction and a concert under the stars.
A handful of up-and-coming country music stars lent their time and talent to help raise funds for Rancho Alegre. Many of the performers were former scouts themselves.
During the fire, 215 acres and 47 structures burned to the ground including the home of a Scout leader.
Executive director of the Boy Scouts council Carlos Cortez said the camp made a major impact on the scouts and community.
“The camp is very important to us because we usually run about 9,000 kids through that camp,” Cortez said. “For a lot of these kids its the first time they get an outdoor experience whatsoever. In addition to that a lot of families come through there and a lot of good memories are built there.”
Scouts from troop 41 recently got to see the devastation firsthand. The gravity of the situation wasn’t lost on them.
“This camp was the only Boy Scout camp for hundreds of miles, the closest one is up in the Sierras,” scout Harry Mullin said. “It’s special to people because it’s so beautiful up there.”
The scouts pitched in during the event, motivated to help the camp return to its former glory.
“We’re here to raise money for the camp so that other generations of scouts and children can enjoy it,” scout Andrew Bunke said.
The Rebuild the Ranch benefit concert at the Solvang Festival Theater not only entertained a crowd, funds from the event will help offset costs not paid for by insurance.
“Our initial goal was $30,000. Someone anonymously donated a couple thousand, so we are well on our way,” Mullin said.
“I think we can smash that,” said Bunke.
Organizers say the concert may turn into an annual event, as rebuilding Rancho Alegre could take years and costs millions to complete.
To make a donation to the rebuilding process, click here .
