ORANGE, Calif. – The Outdoor Education Center, a 210 acre, one-of-a-kind themed outdoor learning facility, today announces that, in December 2008, it received $10 million in pledges for cash donations. Orange County residents, Ruben and Mary Lou Casey and Mike and Lucy Harrison, were instrumental in securing this additional funding. Much of the money has come from donors who wish to remain anonymous.
Both Reuben Casey and Mike Harrison have served as Scoutmasters within the Boy Scouts of America organization. The Casey and the Harrison families have been supporters of several previous Boy Scout Projects. Harrison, who was recently recognized by the Orange County Chapter of the American Fundraising Professionals as one its Philanthropists of the Year and honored by the Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America at its 28th Annual Construction Industry Good Scout Award luncheon, emphasized the importance of these gifts at this time.
“With the change in the economy, our fundraising efforts had slowed. These gifts have renewed our momentum and have brought us to 82% of our goal,” said Harrison. “Now more than ever we are being called to make a difference in our communities, and there is nothing more important than the education of our children. Outdoor learning experiences teach children about self reliance, our natural environment and caring for their world.”
“As a 16 year old Eagle Scout, I was in charge of a group of 30 younger Scouts on a four-day hike through the High Sierras with no adult supervision. We wouldn’t do it quite like that today but it was that and other Scouting experiences that gave me an appreciation for the outdoors and the confidence to lead,” Harrison added.
“I think it’s great that the Outdoor Education Center will be used by all youth groups of Orange County, regardless of their ethnicity or socio-economic status. I feel strongly about this because of my own experience in Scout Troop 426 in Downy, CA, during the 1930s,” said Reuben Casey. “I was invited to go to Scouts by a friend’s parents. I shall be forever grateful for that opportunity. It was during the Great Depression when so many families were struggling just to survive, including mine. Our Scoutmaster, “Doc” Johnson, a veterinarian, would accept any boy into the troop who wanted to have the Scouting experience whether he had monetary support or not. He treated us all equally. I believe that the Outdoor Education Center reflects that same spirit. If “Doc” Johnson were here today, he would smile and say, ‘Well done, boys.’”
The Caseys and the Harrisons say they challenge others in the Orange County philanthropic community to add to what has already been pledged in order to get this project over the finish line.
“We are very grateful to the leadership of the Caseys and the Harrisons” says Christine Kirk, program director of the Outdoor Education Center. “It is wonderful to have such passionate advocates who are living examples of the experiences and ideals we hope to teach and instill in generations to come.”
Countywide Philanthropic Efforts
The vision of the Outdoor Education Center is being made a reality through donations from individuals, foundations, corporations and a combination of donated materials and services from building industry firms. The facility is being built on 52 acres that are part of a 210-acre parcel of undeveloped land. The land was donated by The Irvine Company and is owned by the Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America. Under its agreement with The Irvine Company, the Boy Scouts will develop only 52 acres of the land; the remaining 158 acres will be kept in a natural state.
The construction budget for the Outdoor Education Center property is $33 million, including $3 million for pledge financing costs. Property improvements include the infrastructure and development of 27 buildings.
The Outdoor Education Center, priced to meet the budgeting needs of our community, is a gift to the children of Orange County that will enrich lives for generations to come.
There are many opportunities to provide financial and in-kind donations for continuing support of the Outdoor Education Center. To donate to the Outdoor Education Center, contact Skip Seagraves at 714-546-4990.
Outdoor Education Programs
According to numerous studies, one of the best ways for children to learn and retain information is by having hands-on experiences with the subjects they are studying. Activities provided at the Outdoor Education Center will help build confidence and character in local children whether they are from Scout organizations, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, churches, other youth groups or schools.
The Outdoor Education Center opened January 15, with limited day and overnight programming and will offer full programming in July 2009. Because the Outdoor Education Center is comprised of three education centers--Astronomy Camp, Ranch Camp and Mining Camp--students can visit the facility at least three times and have a unique learning experience each time.
• The Outdoor Education Center’s programming meets the California State standards for outdoor science curriculum and was developed to support a range of subject areas, including science, local history and cultural studies.
• The Outdoor Education Center’s three themed camps were designed to provide local youth the opportunity to learn about the Southern California natural environment, what is above the ground, at ground level and underground, through first-hand wilderness experiences.
• The Outdoor Education Center is the only facility in Orange County with a complete outdoor education program.
• The Outdoor Education Center will be the third largest educational campus in Orange County behind the University of California at Irvine and California State University, Fullerton.
• When fully operational, the Outdoor Education Center is expected to serve more than 13,000 young people annually.
