Just a few days ago, Kerr County — the home of our beloved Bear Creek Scout Camp — experienced one of the most devastating flash floods in recent history. In the middle of the night, torrential rains overwhelmed rivers and ravines, sweeping through homes, roads, and lives with unthinkable force.
At Bear Creek, we were spared the worst — but we were not untouched.
What We’re Facing at Camp
Though no campers or staff were harmed, the flood caused significant and widespread damage to Bear Creek Scout Camp. We are still assessing the full impact, but here’s what we know so far:
- Roads are impassable. Even before the storm, our roads needed attention—but now entire sections have washed away. Temporary fixes are already showing signs of failure. We estimate repairs will cost over $300,000.
- The Slide Tower has shifted. The force of floodwaters physically moved the entire structure several inches, and debris tangled the slide cables beyond safe use. We’re awaiting a full safety inspection from our vendor.
- The floating dock is gone. Our swimming area centerpiece was ripped from its moorings and destroyed. It must be rebuilt from scratch.
- COPE and climbing elements need full inspection. Vendors will be assessing these high-use areas for structural integrity and repair estimates.
- Silt and debris are everywhere. The natural swimming area in the upper valley is now buried in mud. Ravines have deepened, exposing pipes and infrastructure that must be repaired. Debris—natural and otherwise—now litters our trails, activity zones, and campsites.
And yet…
Bear Creek Is Still Serving
Even in crisis, Bear Creek is a home for those in need.
Right now, our summer staff housing is being used by search-and-rescue teams, cadaver dog units, EMTs, and crisis response professionals. Our Camp Ranger and his wife have opened their kitchen and hearts, preparing meals for the teams working to help our community recover.
This is what Scouting is all about—being prepared, stepping up, and serving others.
How You Can Help
We are committed to rebuilding Bear Creek Scout Camp—and we can’t do it alone.
Over the coming weeks, we will share specific service opportunities for Scouts, Scouters, and community members to join in the cleanup and restoration. We will also continue to assess repair needs and share project costs transparently.
But right now, we need your help in three key ways:
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive real-time updates and service opportunities
Make a donation to support the immediate and long-term repairs: Text BCRepairs to 41444
Share this message with your network. Awareness fuels action.
Everything You Need to Deliver an Amazing Den Experience
Are you stepping into a leadership role in Cub Scouting—or thinking about it? Ready to Lead is a half-day, in-person course designed to give you the tools, confidence, and ideas you need to lead a successful den or help your Pack thrive.
Leaders, it’s time to start planning for the upcoming Meet the Teacher Night/Open Houses at your local schools. This is a great opportunity to get in front of the majority of the school’s population to collect contact information from interested families. If you haven’t already, reach out to your local school or PTO and ask them if your unit can set up a booth. What a great way to jump-start your fall recruitment efforts!
San Antonio, Texas — May 10, 2025
