Just two years after the Whittier Fire ravaged Circle V Ranch Camp & Retreat Center in the Los Padres National Forest, the beloved summer center is reopening its doors to welcome back local campers.
“We have been focused on reopening Circle V since the Whittier Wildfire forced our closure with damage to our health lodge, craft cabin, and water treatment facility,” director Ray Lopez said.
On July 8, 2017, the Whittier Fire trapped 58 kids and 24 adults at the camp for over three hours, while first responders worked to get up the narrow paths and rescue them. Although the camp’s water treatment facility and pipes sustained significant damage, Lopez had hoped to reopen the following year, but the deadly mudslides in January 2018 set their plans back another year. But finally, crediting the hard work of volunteers and the camp community, Lopez said the camp is “blessed to be able to welcome everyone back again!”
During the summer, Circle V Ranch Camp will offer six day/five night sessions of fun for boys and girls ages 7-13, and leadership training for ages 14-17. Without TV, radio, and internet, campers have the chance to get into nature, with activities like archery, arts & crafts, hiking, swimming in the pool, learning about nature, painting, photography, playing baseball, basketball, ping pong, foosball, soccer, miniature golf and of course, campfires, skits and singing.
This year’s sessions and themes are:
- Session One: Friday, July 12 to Wednesday, July 17 ~ Space Week
- Session Two: Saturday, July 20 to Thursday, July 25 ~ Adventure Week
- Session Three: Friday, July 26 to Wednesday, July 31 ~ Carnival Week
- Session Four: Saturday, August 3 to Thursday, August 8 ~ Talent Show Week
For more information about Circle V Ranch Camp, visit www.CircleVRanchCamp.org/datesthemesfees.html.
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