How Pacific Palisades Scouts Found Strength and Purpose After the Wildfires
Submitted by JAMES HUFF| Patrol Leader
This year, the Kahunas Patrol of Troop 223 in Pacific Palisades has faced challenges few could have anticipated. In January 2025, wildfires swept through the community, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.
Many members of Troop 223 lost their homes, while others saw their neighborhoods and routines upended. For the Scouts, these were not just news stories—they were personal losses, etched into their daily lives.
Finding Shelter in Scouting
In the aftermath of the fires, as families navigated uncertainty and grief, Troop 223 emerged as a haven of normalcy and togetherness. Meetings continued, albeit sometimes in borrowed spaces or makeshift settings.
The familiar rhythms of Scout life, setting goals, earning merit badges and sharing stories around a campfire, offered comfort and structure. For many Scouts, the troop became more than an extracurricular activity; it became a support system, a place to rebuild not just routines but also hope.
Learning Resilience and Adaptability
This year tested the Scouts’ core values like never before. Resilience and adaptability, often discussed in lessons and activities, took on real-world significance.
Scouts learned to adapt to new housing arrangements, to work together despite emotional strain and to support one another through acts of kindness, big and small. The troop leaders encouraged open conversations about loss and recovery, fostering an environment where Scouts could process their experiences and draw strength from their shared journey.
Carrying the Torch of Tradition
Despite the upheaval, the Kahunas Patrol refused to let adversity define their year. In the fall term, they continued their tradition of three signature outings: Career, Good Turn and Fun trips. These excursions were more than just a break from the routine, they were opportunities to reconnect, engage with the broader community and rediscover joy.
Career Trip: A Visit to an Architecture Firm
The Career Trip took the Scouts to a local architecture firm, HGA Architects, where they learned about design, sustainability and problem-solving. The experience was particularly meaningful this year, as the Scouts saw firsthand how architects help communities rebuild after disasters.
They toured model homes, discussed the importance of resilient structures and even sketched their own visions for future neighborhoods. For some, the visit sparked dreams of one day helping to design safer, more fire-resistant communities.
Good Turn Trip: Supporting Fire Survivors and Veterans
In the spirit of service central to Scouting, the Kahunas Patrol organized a Good Turn Trip focused on sorting supplies at the American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 Fire Relief Distribution Center.
Working side by side, they supported the organization’s efforts to aid the community. For many, the day underscored the importance of service, especially when their own community had relied so much on the generosity of others during the wildfire aftermath.
Fun Trip: Trampoline Skills and Teamwork
Amid the seriousness of the year, the Scouts made time for laughter and camaraderie with a much-anticipated Fun Trip. At a local trampoline park, they practiced their flips, synchronized jumps and friendly competitions. The outing was a reminder that joy and togetherness are vital parts of healing. For a few hours, the Scouts left worries behind, cheering each other on and celebrating the simple pleasure of play.
Looking Ahead with Hope
As 2025 draws to a close, the Kahunas Patrol of Troop 223 stands as a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of youth. The challenges they faced would have daunted many, but these Scouts have emerged stronger, more empathetic and deeply connected.
Through career exploration, service and shared adventure, they have not only rebuilt their routines but have also played a role in rebuilding the fabric of Pacific Palisades itself.
The Scouts and leaders of Troop 223 extend their gratitude to the wider community for its support. They invite all to join them in celebrating not just survival, but the remarkable resilience and hope that grows when neighbors stand together.
For information of how to join, contact Greg Frost at frostfamily@frostinvestigations.com.
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