Press Release

Boerne, TX — Through the Hirsch Family Fund, a $1 million donation to the Alamo Area Council of Scouting America, has become the largest single gift from a local family in recent years.

The fund is represented by siblings Ella and Benjamin Hirsch—both lifelong Scouts at St Peter the Apostle’s Pack 18, Troop 18, Crew 18, and Troop 180, and active adult Scouters. Their investment is already at work, revitalizing camp facilities and expanding programs for youth across South Texas.

“Scouting helped define who we are,” said Ella Hirsch, a Summit Award recipient and former Southern Region Venturing President. “This is our family’s way of giving back to a program that gave us so much—and ensuring today’s families get the same life-changing experiences.”

Thanks to their generosity, the beloved in-ground pool at McGimsey Scout Park is undergoing major repairs and resurfacing—just in time to launch the Council’s first-ever Aquatics Resident Camp, a specialized program focused on swimming, water safety, and leadership in the outdoors. Other improvements are being made at Bear Creek Scout Camp and Mays Family Scout Ranch.

In addition, the donation is funding essential camp supplies, scholarships, and the expansion of McGimsey’s All-Ages Day Camp—an innovative summer program for youth ages 7–17 that includes outdoor adventure, creative arts, STEM, and team-building experiences. All youth, regardless of Scouting experience, are welcome.

“We’re proud to call Boerne home—and gratified to invest locally,” said Benjamin Hirsch, an Eagle Scout and District Executive with the Sam Houston Council. “Scouting has never been more relevant. It teaches responsibility, confidence, and enables life-long friendships, but it also engrains important values into our youth like citizenship and leadership—values our country needs more than ever.”

Ella and Benjamin’s story is a powerful example of a new generation of donors choosing to reinvest in the values that shaped their youth. This donation marks the inaugural gift from the Hirsch Family Fund in what is expected to be ongoing gifts to primarily benefit youth in Kendall County. It’s also a call to action for others in the Boerne community to consider supporting youth development programs that are proven to build character and leadership.

“Scouting offers great experiences like campfires and earning badges through personal growth and adventure.” Ella added. “It’s where kids learn to be more confident in themselves; it allows a safe place for growth where you can fail amongst friends and try again.”

How You Can Help:

Donate to Support Scouting: Your gift provides camp access, supplies, and life-changing opportunities for local youth.
Get Involved as a Family: Learn more about summer day camps and year-round programs at AlamoAreaScouting.org.
Join a Local Unit: Visit BeAScout.org to find a unit near you.

As the summer season begins, the Hirsch family’s generous gift is already changing lives—and serving as a powerful reminder that when local families invest in youth, the entire community benefits.

Be a Part of the Legacy:
Register for Camp: https://www.alamoareascouting.org/summer-camp/all-ages-day-camps/
Donate to Expand Scouting: AlamoAreaScouting/donation-options
Find a Local Unit: BeAScout.org

“This is our family’s legacy,” Benjamin said. “And we invite others to join us in shaping the next generation.”

Contact:
Jennifer Arntson
Scouting America, Alamo Area Council, Inc
(210) 394-9915
Jennifer.Arntson@Scouting.org

About Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council, Inc.: Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the Alamo Area Council serves a 13-county area imparting the Scouting program to over 14,300 youth and 2,700 volunteer adults in South Texas. The Boy Scouts of America continue to prepare young people for life by providing the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, utilizing outdoor activity, citizenship, and fitness. The Alamo Area Council manages over 1,500 acres of outdoor adventure for boys and girls from 5-20 years of age at three premier camps – Bear Creek Scout Reservation, Mays Family Scout Ranch, and McGimsey Scout Park. Learn more at www.AlamoAreaScouting.org.

 

 

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San Antonio, TX —Through an extraordinary $1 million gift to support Scouting programs in the San Antonio area, the Hirsch Family Fund, represented by Ella and Benjamin Hirsch is already making an impact.

The funds are accelerating critical improvements to McGimsey Scout Park’s in-ground pool and other planned improvements at Bear Creek Scout Camp and Mays Family Scout Ranch infrastructure initiatives. Additionally, it delivers program supplying gear and resources for the 2025 summer camp season.

The Hirsch siblings—both lifelong Scouts and now adult scouting leaders themselves—understand firsthand how the Scouting experience shapes character, builds lifelong friendships, and empowers youth to lead. Still, the Hirsch family’s donation is more than a financial contribution. It’s an investment in future leaders.

“Scouting is a big part of our lives,” said Ella Hirsch, Summit Award recipient and former Southern Region Venturing President. “It gave us opportunities to grow and make life-long friendships. We want today’s youth to have those same chances—no matter where they come from.”

Their gift is already at work:

• The McGimsey pool is being resurfaced and revitalized—just in time for a brand-new Aquatics Resident Camp.
• Critical infrastructure improvements are being made at Bear Creek Scout Camp and Mays Family Scout Ranch.
• Day Camp programs have expanded to include youth ages 7–17, offering hands-on experiences in outdoor skills, technology, creative arts, and more.
• Essential supplies and equipment for camp experiences are being purchased, so every child can participate fully.

“Your gift can change a child’s life today,” Benjamin said. “This is our family’s way of paying it forward, and I encourage you to do the same.”

The Hirsch family’s belief in the mission of Scouting is deeply personal—and deeply hopeful. Their donation is rooted in a vision of youth development that goes beyond uniforms and campfires. It’s about building confident, compassionate leaders who will carry these lessons forward.

“Scouting enables personal growth,” Ella added. “It’s where kids learn to be more confident in themselves; it allows a safe place for growth where you can fail amongst friends and try again.”

As the Alamo Area Council prepares for a full summer of camp at McGimsey Scout Park, families are invited to be part of this exciting new chapter—whether by enrolling a child, volunteering, or giving back.

Be a Part of the Legacy:
Register for Camp: https://www.alamoareascouting.org/summer-camp/all-ages-day-camps/
Donate to Expand Scouting: AlamoAreaScouting/donation-options
Find a Local Unit: BeAScout.org

“This is our family’s legacy,” Benjamin said. “And we invite others to join us in shaping the next generation.”

Contact:
Jennifer Arntson
Scouting America, Alamo Area Council, Inc
(210) 394-9915
Jennifer.Arntson@Scouting.org

About Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council, Inc.: Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the Alamo Area Council serves a 13-county area imparting the Scouting program to over 14,300 youth and 2,700 volunteer adults in South Texas. The Boy Scouts of America continue to prepare young people for life by providing the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, utilizing outdoor activity, citizenship, and fitness. The Alamo Area Council manages over 1,500 acres of outdoor adventure for boys and girls from 5-20 years of age at three premier camps – Bear Creek Scout Reservation, Mays Family Scout Ranch, and McGimsey Scout Park. Learn more at www.AlamoAreaScouting.org.

 

 

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