January 10, 2025 | Greater LA Scouting, Scouting America

GREATER LA SCOUTING FAMILIES

HAVE LOST EVERYTHING

Here’s how you can help

As the tragedy of fires across LA continues, horrific scenes have emerged of smoldering rubble that was once a home or place of business in our community. While we are still trying to quantify the number of Scouting families that have lost their homes, we know authorities are estimating more than 10,000 structures have been destroyed, with nearly half of them in our backyard in the Eaton Fire.   

We also recognize that, driven by the Scout Oath and Law, all of us want to do something to help, even if it’s just a little, for our fellow Scouts and Scouters who have no homes to return to.  

Here are ways for you to help local

Scouting Families

Adopt a Scout Family Who Lost Their Home 

Units may "adopt" a Scout Family who lost their home and help them with immediate necessities like new clothing, school supplies, and gift cards for restaurants and food, based on the needs of that family. The council will match units with affected families on a first-come, first-served basis.

Donate to our Scout Uniform Replacement Fund

Mission: We want every Scout and Scouter who lost their homes to have a new, complete replacement uniform and you can help. Units and individuals can donate to the Uniform Fund to help ensure that, while a home may be gone, the connection to Scouting that comes with a uniform will remain.

Was your home damaged or destroyed? 

Please let us know so we can help.

Additionally, we want you to know that we have offered our facilities and properties for use by the LA Region American Red Cross to support their disaster relief efforts.

Even in darkness, our actions can make an impact. Our finest hours as Scouts are epitomized by moments just like this, when the proverbial “good turn” is so much more, and can make such an impact on those who have lost everything. Please join us and click on the links above to learn more.

Finally, and most importantly, our hearts are with all of Los Angeles. This tragedy will remain with us long after the last ember of fire is extinguished and we will be with all of our Scouts and their families, as well as the tens of thousands of LA area residents who have been devastated this week. We'll be in touch with more opportunities to help soon. In the meantime, be prepared and stay safe.

Scouts lead the way.

Steve Rothans               Craig Snodgrass             Bob Kurkjian

Board Chairman            Council Commissioner              CEO & Scout Executive

MORE Ways You Can Help

• If you would like to volunteer and provide a good turn please look to your local community and organizations like LA Works, the American Red Cross, Team Rubicon, World Central Kitchen, and the California Fire Foundation.*
• We know many of you have already started working with local organizations to provide support. Let us know how we can support and share your efforts.
• Unit leaders: Please be mindful of the safety for all of our Scouts. Scouts should not be volunteering in current evacuation zones or with any kind of debris removal or clearing. Please also be mindful of air quality issues in any volunteer scenarios. We'll share more comprehensive guidance in the near future.

Be Prepared - don't forget Ready, Set, Go!

Thank you for your support and for showing the true spirit of Scouting as we come together to help those in need.

*Please note that this list is by no means all inclusive nor representative of any official endorsement from Greater LA Scouting.

Camps Update

Thankfully, none of our camps have suffered any damage, including Camp Trask, near the Eaton Fire. Our gratitude goes out to the many brave and amazing first responders who have tirelessly fought wind and flames to save as much as possible. And we thank our rangers and camp staff as well.

We very much regret to report, however, that our friends in neighboring West LA have not been so fortunate. Earlier this week 84-year old Camp Josepho in the Santa Monica Mountains was destroyed – a victim of the Pacific Palisades fire. Our condolences and thoughts are with our friends and colleagues in West LA.

Swift Action by Troop 21 Leaders Aids in Rapid Response to Eaton Fire

As the story of the Eaton Fire continues to unfold, we are reminded of the vital role quick thinking and decisive action play in protecting our communities. Thanks to the leaders of Troop 21, Marcus and Jennifer Errico, who were among the first to notice and report the blaze, Pasadena fire crews arrived at the scene within 15 minutes of ignition. As detailed in Pasadena Now’s coverage, this swift response highlights the importance of community vigilance and preparedness.

We are grateful for Marcus and Jennifer's proactive approach.

More Organizations Providing Help

LAFD Foundation Emergency Fund

Pasadena Humane Society

California Community Foundation

Pasadena Community Foundation

What to know when you have lost your house Webinar

In the past 72 hours, many members of our community have faced devastating losses, with some losing their homes or knowing someone who has. To provide support during this challenging time, Tower 26, a triathlon group, is hosting a public Zoom call today, Friday, January 10th, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM PST.

The session is open to everyone and aims to provide guidance and resources for those impacted by the fires. Coach Emily, a Tower 26 coach and former professional triathlete who lost her home in the 2017 Atlas Fire in Napa County, will lead the discussion. She will share a comprehensive "To Do" list based on her own experience. A guest speaker will also join to discuss housing relocation options.

Zoom Call Details:

Date: Friday, January 10, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PST

Link to Join: Join the Zoom Call

Resource Document: Coach Emily has also provided a valuable guide titled “Your House Burned Down. Now What?” which offers practical steps and resources for those navigating the aftermath of losing their homes.

You can access it here: Your House Burned Down. Now What?

We encourage you to attend the call and share this information with anyone who might benefit from this support.

Annual Dinner Postponed!

We have made the decision to postpone the annual dinner, originally scheduled for January 22^nd, so we can focus 100% of our efforts on the current challenges in the LA area, and ensure that all of our families can attend. We will announce a new date shortly and any tickets already purchased will continue to be valid for the new date which we hope to announce in the next ten days.