Hike4Kids Raises Funds to Reopen Circle V Ranch Camp

Circle V (Vee) Ranch Camp alumni and staff as well as family and friends who participated in the 2018 Hike4Kids

Source: Circle V Ranch

Circle V (Vee) Ranch Camp alumni and staff, as well as family and friends, participated in the 2018 Hike4Kids fundraising event at Echo Mountain in Altadena on September 9, 2018.  The 2018 Hike4Kids attracted more than 100 hikers of all ages, over 250 people and organizations have given funds and donations raising more than $30,000 to date; and with an anonymous matching gift, increased the funds raised to $60,000.

Camp Director Ray Lopez shared, “Since the Whittier Wildfire in Santa Barbara County forced the closure of Circle V on July 8, 2017; we have been focused on raising money to rebuild and reopen in 2019. So, in 2018, we held our second-ever Hike4Kids benefit in Los Angeles County where many of our counselors and alumni live. We are so blessed to have so many generous donors step up and step out for this hike!”

According to St. Vincent de Paul’s Advancement Director Gina Doyle, “Funds are still urgently needed to get Circle V open again. Please consider donating to Circle V at https://svdpla.org/donate/rebuild-camp/ during this season of giving; and tax benefits can accrue if you give before the end of 2018.”

Circle V Ranch Camp & Retreat Center was founded in 1945 by St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles and has been located since 1990 across from Cachuma Lake at 2550 Highway 154 in Santa Barbara County on 30 acres in the Los Padres National Forest. During autumn, winter and spring, Circle V is available for rental to other non-profit groups and organizations welcoming more than 3,000 guests of all ages. During the summer months, Circle V Ranch Camp sessions offer six days and five nights of traditional supervised fun for boys and girls ages 7-13 years and leadership training for ages 14-17 years. 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. 

After closing due to damage during the Whittier Wildfire on July 8, 2017, Circle V continues rebuilding its water treatment facilities, Craft and Health cabins with a goal of reopening in 2019. Donations to help reopen are needed and welcomed at https://svdpla.org/donate/rebuild-camp/

For general information visit www.CircleVRanchCamp.org