Fundraising for Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch

by Brian Manning
WALSENBURG — Since the fire on the East Peak destroyed much of the Boy Scout Ranch in June, The Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch Executive Board has closed the camp for the year but vowed to open in 2014.
They are working on a fundraising campaign to rebuild the buildings and replace the tents.
Shelly Salley-Jarrett is the camp director and is hoping to raise $25,000 for the camp. She said 80% of the tents were destroyed along with three main structures, two cabins used by staff and numerous smaller buildings. Several platforms, used for gatherings, were also destroyed.
Every year hundreds of scouts from around the region enjoy this camp. The Santa Fe Trail Council of Garden City, Kansas has owned the camp since 1964. Currently, the council is working with other scout camps to provide space for troops that have been displaced by the fire to allow the scouts to continue their summer camp experiences.
Community help and donations are needed to rebuild the Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch.
If you would like to donate via credit card, the council is conducting an online fundraising rally campaign, that includes a stirring powerpoint presentation of the camp before and after the fire. Go to https://rally.org/rebuildspsr.
You may also choose to give a financial gift by sending in a gift or material support to the council office. Call the council office at 620-275-5162 to talk with staff about giving material support or organizing a community fundraiser. To mail donations, send them to Santa Fe Trail Council, BSA, 1513.5 East Fulton Terrace, Garden City, KS 67846.
Any donations will be appreciated and will help these scouts return to camping in summer 2014. This is a very worthy cause.