Camp Whittier, an overnight camp nestled in the mountains of the Los Padres National Forest, is beginning to rebuild after suffering severe damage in the 2017 Whittier Fire. When the fire broke out near the property, nearly 60 campers, ages 6-17, and 25 adults were trapped for hours. Fortunately, rescue came, and the group escaped, though it was by the skin of their teeth.
The camp itself, however, was not so lucky. Four cabins, two staff homes, and three maintenance sheds were all completely destroyed. The ropes course was also damaged, as were most of the camp’s hiking trails and solar panels. The buildings that did survive sustained extensive smoke damage.
Whittier, which is managed by the United Boys & Girls Club, is now in the midst of replacing the cabins, which are estimated to be finished by the end of September. The second rebuilding phase will focus on the remaining infrastructure, which camp leaders hope to complete by the start of the New Year.