David Fields, Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles, operators of the Circle V Ranch Camp announced, “We are continuing to rebuild after the Whittier wildfire that burned through our camp and surrounding areas on July 8, 2017. We regret that we will not be offering 2018 summer camp sessions for more than 1.000 children from throughout Southern California. Our strong goal is to reopen in 2019.”
Circle V Ranch Camp Director Ray Lopez shared, “Our staff and volunteers are sad that Circle V is not quite ready yet to welcome back campers for our summer 2018 sessions. We are continuing to work with our rebuilding crews and look forward to opening as soon as we can in 2019. We thank everyone for their continued patience and support!”
The Whittier wildfire began on July 8, 2017, burning throughout Circle V Ranch Camp and surrounding areas. All 88 campers and 36 staff members in residence at the time were safely evacuated by heroic first responders, staff and volunteers. Circle V’s Craft Lodge and Health Lodge cabins burned to the ground, and the water treatment facility and pipes were seriously damaged. With no water, all remaining 2017 summer camp sessions were cancelled for 1,000 campers ages 7-17; and group retreat rentals were canceled until further notice. Circle V is in the process of rebuilding with a goal of reopening in 2019; donations are needed and welcomed at http://svdpla.org/donate/rebuild-camp/
More About St. Vincent de Paul Circle V Ranch Camp
Circle V Ranch Camp & Retreat Center was founded in 1945 by St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles and has been located on its current site on 30 acres in the Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara County across from Cachuma Lake since 1990. Each Circle V Ranch Camp summer session offers six days and five nights of traditional supervised fun for boys and girls ages 7 to 13 and campers in leadership training from ages 14-17. Campers enjoy activities including archery, arts & crafts, hiking, swimming in the pool, learning about nature, reading skills, painting, photography, playing baseball, basketball, ping pong, foosball, soccer, miniature golf and of course, campfires, skits and singing. There is no TV, radio or internet access to affect the experience. Campers stay in wood cabins or traditional canvas tents. Three nutritious daily meals served family-style in the Dining Lodge are not only for food but also for camaraderie and fellowship. In summer 2016, the camp hosted more than 1,000 children for this time-honored experience. During autumn, winter and spring, Circle V is available for rental to other non-profit groups and organizations. Closed since July 8, 2017, due to damage sustained during the Whittier wildfire, Circle V is in the process of rebuilding with a goal of reopening in 2019; donations are needed and welcomed at http://svdpla.org/donate/rebuild-camp/
