When tragedy strikes, Scouts act.
Over the weekend, Troop 32 from Santa Rosa, Calif., cooked and served meals for those left homeless by a massive fire burning nearby.
The Valley Fire, west of Sacramento, Calif., is currently burning 67,000 acres and is only 15 percent contained. Hundreds of homes and other structures have already been destroyed.
The Scouts spent long hours volunteering at the Napa County fairgrounds, which has turned into a temporary home for evacuees while firefighters from across California struggle to battle the blaze.
Troop 32 members cooked and served meals, read to and played with children of the evacuees, and did anything else officials asked of them. A California state senator even stopped by to monitor the effort and thank the Scouts.
A message on the troop’s Facebook page captured the importance of this act of service.
“What an experience for our Scouts and leaders,” the message said. “Very humbling to see thousands of people in tents and on cots wondering how their home might be. … Many of them evacuated with only what they could fit in their car. The unknown makes this even harder for everyone. Cal Fire is doing great, but this fire has the upper hand. Glad we could do a little to help. Prayers to the firefighters and families involved.”
Well done, Scouts. Thanks for stepping up for your community.
California fires
Fires are burning all over California. If your Scout unit is nearby, consider doing what Troop 32 did and lend a hand.
Hat tip: Thanks to Martin Webb, camp assessment coordinator for the Western Region, for the tip.
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