Compton Campfire Site to Get Funding


For more than 50 years now, generations of youngsters have roasted marshmallows, told ghost stories around the campfire and learned camping techniques at the Compton Camp Fire site in the heart of the City of Compton.

Surrounded by mature trees, the campfire site has served as a reprieve, providing youth and teens with an outdoor space for overnight and day camp activities, seminars, trainings, community meetings, educational retreats, social and other events.

So when the 1.26 acre campground came up for sale by the current owner, the City of Compton agreed to pitch in $450,000 to buy and renovate it. But they needed more money to cover the costs. And so, on Tuesday April 1, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor approved $300,000 in Proposition A funds earmarked to improve public parks.

“These funds will be used to improve the campgrounds,” said Supervisor Ridley-Thomas, who authored the motion approved by the Board for the funds. “This campsite needs to remain in the community as a public recreational asset for future generations.”

Formerly a Camp Fire USA Compound, the City of Compton is looking to build on Camp Fire USA’s national “Teens in Action” program, which brings young people together to tackle real-life issues in their own community. These youngsters learn how to care for themselves, their environment and the people around them. Today, more than 100,000 teens participate annually in community service projects that develop their skills and make real differences in their communities.