Altadena’s Summerkids Camp Community Supports Members After Eaton Fire

a3af7f515edbcf5e2d4ef1267230c44d SUMMERKIDS CAMP COMMUNITY RALLIES IN WAKE OF EATON FIRE DEVASTATION

ALTADENA, Calif., Jan. 18, 2025 — The family-run Summerkids Camp in Altadena’s hills sustained complete property loss due to the Eaton Fire. The camp, a fixture for generations of children over five decades, is now closed.

A burned bear statue at Summerkids Camp in Altadena, CA, after the Eaton Fire.

Despite the closure, the Summerkids Camp community is providing mutual support, according to Camp Director Cara DiMassa, a member of the founding family. DiMassa stated that they are mourning the losses in Altadena, including many camp families’ homes, but is encouraged by the community’s collective support.

DiMassa has compiled a list of Summerkids Camp families whose homes were destroyed by the Eaton Fire, which includes the on-site caretaker. She reports that over 50 Summerkids families lost their homes, with some families having both parents and children who attended the camp.

DiMassa noted that some families who lost their homes have donated to other affected Summerkids families, highlighting the strong bonds within the community and their collaborative response to the crisis.

Established in 1978 and situated at its Altadena location since 1980, Summerkids, owned and operated by the DiMassa family, served tens of thousands of campers from Altadena and neighboring areas in grades K-9.

The camp occupied a 55-acre site, initially built for Camp Fire Girls in the late 1940s. The site included a historically and architecturally significant lodge designed by renowned local architect Boyd Georgi. The fire completely destroyed all structures, encompassing four cabins, a caretaker’s house, playgrounds, an amphitheater, archery ranges, and other facilities.

SOURCE Summerkids Camp

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