SoCal Teen Reunion Project
A Space for Youth to Heal, Connect and Just Be.
A restorative weekend retreat for youth impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires. Set among the pines of Big Bear Valley, this nature-based outdoor adventure experience offers space to reflect, reconnect with friends, try something new, and create unforgettable memories!
When: Friday, July 25 – Sunday, July 27, 2025
Cost: FREE!
Who can attend? For 6th-12th grade students who have been affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires, and their friends! Bunk with your crew – you and up to 3 friends share a cabin!
**Now open for rising 6th – 12th graders!**
Location: Big Bear Valley, CA. Transportation included.
Fall dates to be determined. To join the waitlist, complete this form here.
Info Sessions
Join us for a virtual info session to meet our team, learn about our program philosophy and approach, and more.
Please select to RSVP for the info session:
Activities and Adventure Experiences
From calming hikes to high-energy challenges, this weekend offers the perfect mix of fun, reflection, and connection. Explore nature, express yourself, and build lasting memories with friends—there’s something here for every mood and moment.
- Archery
- Axe-Throwing
- Arts & Crafts
- Nature Hikes
- Rock Climbing
- Low Ropes
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Gaga Ball
- Campfires, and more!
About The SoCal Teen Reunion Project
Woodcraft Rangers has partnered with the Teen Stress Project at Cal State Los Angeles to create an opportunity for students from local school districts most severely impacted by the SoCal Wildfires to attend a 3-day Camp Woodcraft retreat in Big Bear Valley.
Many friends may be dispersed over large geographic areas throughout the region, and Big Bear offers a location that can bring those youth together from a variety of SoCal locations to have fun, reunite with their friends, and heal.
Teens will take part in engaging Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, informed workshops that build self-advocacy, emotional resilience, and lifelong coping tools—all while having fun, building community, and creating space to breathe.
Program Components:
Students will walk away from a wonderful weekend retreat with resources for moving forward. The retreat experience includes:
- Dedicated time with separated friends in a healing location with lots of space to reconnect.
- Peer mentors with experience and training in trauma-informed practices.
- Three DBT-informed workshops focused on self-reflection, stress measures and mindfulness.
- Challenge activities to build resilience and regain confidence.
- Available therapists on-site for workshops on stress relief and coping skills, immediate mental health support, and longer-term navigation if clinical needs are revealed.
FAQ's
Where is camp located?
Camp is located in Big Bear Valley.
For the safety of all staff and program participants, we do not publicly post our camp location.
All registered program participants and families will receive camp location and on-site contact information when the program date nears.
Who is eligible to attend?
Youth who will be in grades 6th – 12th during the 2025-2026 school year are eligible.
When will the Teen Reunion Project take place?
Friday, July 25, 2025 – Sunday, July 27, 2025.
Additional fall dates will be added.
What is the cost of the retreat?
Free for all youth participants.
This program is made possible due to generous funders aligned with our mission and goals.
How many spots are available?
200 spots are available during each weekend retreat.
Multiple weekend retreats will be hosted throughout the year.
Can I bring a friend to attend the retreat with me?
Yes, you can have as many friends as you’d like to join! We recommend 3 additional friends to bunk with as a group of 4 in a shared cabin.
Have more than 3 friends that you know would like to join, let us know! E-mail npinedo@woodcraftrangers.org, and we will make sure we do what we can to accommodate your entire group!
What if my friend was not affected by the wildfires, can they still attend?
Yes, your friend does not need to have been affected by the wildfires to attend. We want this to be a space of connection and healing where everyone can enjoy the experience and create meaningful memories together.
What if I only want to attend with myself or have less than or more than 3 friends?
You are more than welcome to attend by yourself and bring as little or many friends as you’d like.
Our bunks are in groups of 8, and being a part of a group of 4 ensures that you and your friens may bunk together.
Is transportation provided?
Yes. Transportation is provided.
Multiple central locations in designated regional areas will be identified as check-in points where the buses will depart from.
As the date nears, parents will receive exact drop-off, pick-up and camp locations.
For the safety of program participants, we do not disclose this information publicly.
What meals are provided?
Campers will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and snack, and dinner daily. Our options are kid friendly, and students share a table with their camp unit.
How do you manage food allergies and restrictions?
Campers with dietary restrictions will be accommodated as necessary (meat free, dairy free, gluten free). We are also a nut-free camp and our meals are prepared with nut-free oils.
If your child has specific food allergies, please indicate this on their medical health forms along with detailed instructions for remediation (epi pen, etc.). Our camp nurse and kitchen staff will arrange for alternative meals accordingly.
Who prepares the meals?
Our meals are prepared by certified kitchen staff. Our menu is created with the support of a child nutritionist/dietician to ensure our campers are well nourished for daily activities.
Can my child take food or snacks?
Please do NOT send any food or snacks with your child. For the safety of all campers and with respect to allergies, we cannot allow campers to bring or share outside food with other campers.
All food must be stored in secure areas throughout the camp and cannot be stored in cabins or with camper belongings.
We will have plenty of food available during meal times for your child. Fruit and other healthy snacks will be available should they get hungry between meal times.
What if my child misses home?
It’s completely normal for campers to miss home from time to time. Our staff is trained to support campers through those feelings with empathy, encouragement, and positive engagement. We focus on helping them stay active, make connections, and build confidence.
If your child is struggling more than expected, we’ll work closely with them and keep in touch with you if needed, to make sure they feel supported and safe.
Additionally, we will have a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) on-site who is available to help campers navigate any emotional challenges they may face during their time at camp.
What if my child needs medical attention?
Two health care providers will be on-site at all times and available to campers and staff to administer first aid, medications, and general care as needed and to oversee isolation in the event of a suspected COVID case per current health protocol. We also have contingency support services lined up with our local hospital, evacuation and emergency medical providers.
How do you manage medications?
Per the American Camp Association standards, we store and dispense all medications through our Health Center. Parents must indicate their child’s medication with instructions on a ‘Medical Health Form’ that is completed during the enrollment process.
How should I pack medications?
All medications must be placed in a clear zip-top bag, clearly labeled with the campers name. Medications should NOT be stored in the camper’s luggage. When checking in your child, you will hand the clear zip-top bag to a camp staff member for proper storage and recording of medication received.
When you pick your child up at the end of camp, a camp staff member will return the medication to the authorized pick-up adult.
What happens in the event of an emergency?
For illnesses and medical emergencies requiring additional assistance, we follow appropriate EMS procedures. The closest hospital is approximately one hour from camp, with emergency helicopter transportation available if needed for a faster transport time.
How do we contact you in case of a family emergency?
We will provide parents with the Camp Director’s phone number as well as a number to our Woodcraft Rangers Main Office headquartered in downtown Los Angeles as a part of the parent guide.
Who are the camp staff?
Our camp staff include:
- Camp director
- Camp manager
- Camp coordinator
- Camp counselors
- Certified activity instructors (low ropes, naturalist, archery, etc.)
- Camp photographer
- Two camp health care supervisors
- Maintenance staff
In addition, the Woodcraft Rangers office staff, located in Downtown Los Angeles, is available to support the camp team and parents, as needed.
What is the camper to camp counselor ratio?
Campers are assigned in groups, or units, of 6-8 and led by 1 camp counselor. In addition to camp counselors, there are also additional adults available on-site 24/7 to support various general needs, including activity instructors, health care supervisors, administrators, etc.
Are camp staff background checked?
Yes. All camp staff must pass a background check with the FBI and Department of Justice and NSOPW. Most camp counselors are also year-round youth development workers with Woodcraft Rangers that work directly with students in schools and districts throughout LA County.
How many staff will be at camp?
This varies depending on final registration numbers, but we estimate between 30-40 staff members, as needed to maintain an 8:1 camper to counselor ratio.
How experienced are Woodcraft staff?
Camp Woodcraft is led by an experienced team with Sr. Director of Camp Woodcraft & Outdoor Education, Helen Santos, Manager of Outdoor Education, Natalie Pinedo, Outdoor and Environmental Educator Diana Gonzalez, and Camp Coordinator Jesse Esquivel leading the way; You can learn more about them by visiting the Camp Leadership page.
The leadership team is nationally recognized for their experience and expertise. Helen was named AEOE’s SoCal Environmental Outdoor Educator of the Year 2025, and Jesse was recognized as one of NAA’s Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders 2025.
Camp Woodcraft counselors and staff also work during the school year running outdoor education programs at camp and afterschool programs throughout Los Angeles County.
What type of training do staff receive/participate in?
All camp staff must go through an extensive hiring process including interview, background checks, and training. Staff will be trained in best practices in youth development and camp programming, social and emotional learning and trauma-informed care, diversity and inclusion, how to work with youth in an outdoor setting, basic counseling, conflict resolution, and emergency procedures and precautions.
All camp staff is certified in CPR, Wilderness First Aid, camp mental health, high-risk activities, as well as youth mental health first aid. Staff in positions that require certification must also present current certificates for specialty positions (such as archery instructor).
Can my child bring a cell phone?
Yes, campers may bring a cell phone. There will be specific times built into the schedule when phone use is permitted. Please keep in mind that cell service can be limited at camp, depending on your provider. We encourage campers to unplug and stay engaged with the experience, so screen time is limited to help them get the most out of their time at camp.
Can I write letters or send cards?
Since the retreat is short and mail delivery can be slow, a great option is to drop off a letter at the bus stop, our staff will collect them and hand them out during the retreat.
How do I register my child?
Ready to register your camper?
If you are a new family to Camp Woodcraft, register now!
Once you have a private account, you will sign in to select your program, submit essential forms and waivers, and tell us more about your camper(s).
If you or your teen has attended Camp Woodcraft before, or you would like to continue or update a current application, please log-in to the parent portal here.
How will I know if my child has been accepted?
1-3 business days after submitting the enrollment application online, a member of the camp team will review your application and contact you if there are any questions related to your application.
After your application has been reviewed and is accepted, you will receive an email notification with the subject ‘Enrollment Confirmation’ and receipt for registration fees.
If you have any questions, you can contact us at campwoodcraft@woodcraftrangers.org or 213-814-6298.
Where can I log back in to the registration system?
Camp Woodcraft has a parent dashboard that is hosted by CampSite. There is a log in button at the top right corner of the website, or you can log in from our registration page here.
I want to attend, but I can’t make those dates.
If you are part of a large group of students or school community that is interested in attending a retreat, but on a different date, please reach out to us about scheduling and availability. Please contact Natalie Pinedo at npinedo@woodcraftrangers.org.
You can also join our interest list here.
For additional information or any questions, please contact Natalie Pinedo, Camp Manager, at npinedo@woodcraftrangers.org.
This program is made possible in partnership with the Cal State LA Teen Stress Project and with generous funding from FireAid, The Ballmer Foundation and the Edward A and Ai O Shay Family Foundation.
Edward A and Ai O Shay Family Foundation
About Woodcraft Rangers
Woodcraft serves more than 25,000 students annually at over 110+ TK-12 schools across great Los Angeles area through expanded learning and outdoor education programs. Woodcraft programs are anchored in a whole-child educational framework encompassing the academic, physical, and social-emotional development of each student Programs are designed in collaboration with school administrators, parents and youth who all guide our program design and curation. Youth-led interests, inclusivity and local community cultural awareness are at the center of our program design.
To learn more about Woodcraft Rangers, visit here.
