As a result of the devastating fires in the Greater Los Angeles area, we know that our Western region camp community is facing tremendous challenges.
Over the past week, we have seen and heard many of the heartbreaking stories of camps that have been destroyed and camp professionals, volunteers, and camp families who have lost their homes. We want all our members in California to know that the entire ACA community is holding each of you in our thoughts and wishing you strength and resilience as you figure out how to move forward from here.
To assist, here are some resources that we hope you find helpful personally and professionally.
Government Resources
- FEMA Disaster Assistance
- Financial Assistance, Safety, Mental Health, and Other Resources
- California Emergency Management
- LA County Recovers
- California Department of Insurance Wildfire Resources
- US Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
Additional Resources
- Emergency Network Los Angeles
- Jewish Federation LA Wildfire Crisis Relief
- LA Times List of Resources (free/discounted food, housing, financial resources. Etc.)
- LA Grief Support (resources and virtual gatherings on grief and processing with therapists Claire Bidwell Smith and Angela Schellenberg)
Support for Those in Need
We also know that many members of the camp community are eager to assist. As with most natural disasters, it takes time to know the full impact. Over the next month, we will collect information about the needs of camps in the fire-affected areas. We will then encourage the camp community to donate supplies and host volunteer days through which we can support camps in their cleanup or rebuilding efforts.
If your camp or business has been affected by the LA fires, or if you might be able to provide assistance, please let us know by emailing ACA Western Region Director Janette Kunkel, and ACA will help in any way we can.
Again, to our friends who have been impacted by these terrible fires, we are thinking of you. It is in times like these that the strength of our camp community truly shines, and we know that together we can navigate the path ahead.
The views and opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.