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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