In today’s video update, Wendy Shaw, Longhorn Council Scout Executive and CEO, shares a special message from the heart of Worth Ranch during her visit on August 28.

As we continue to navigate the impact of the Ross Fire, we want to pause and say thank you. Thank you for the tremendous outpouring of support we have received through donations, messages, comments, and the countless stories being shared about what Worth Ranch means to you and your family. Your support has reminded us that while Worth Ranch is a special place, it is the people and memories created there that truly make it home. We are also grateful for your patience and understanding as our staff, Executive Board, and Foundation Trustees carefully navigate this unprecedented situation.

The Ross Fire remains an active incident, with the latest reports indicating that it is 58% contained. First responders continue their important work fighting the fire and protecting the surrounding communities.

One of the most important ways we can support these brave men and women is to stay out of their way and give them the space they need to do their jobs. Worth Ranch remains temporarily closed, and we ask everyone to respect the closure and not attempt to access the property.

We know there are many questions about Worth Ranch, the fire, the property, and what comes next. To help provide clear and consistent information, we will be launching a Worth Ranch FAQ page on our website in the coming days. This resource will help address some of the questions we are hearing most often and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Thank you for standing with our Scouting community.

As our team continues to navigate the impact of the Ross Fire at Worth Ranch, we are working carefully to evaluate upcoming programs that were scheduled at the property.

Canoe Race Moving to Sid Richardson Scout Ranch

As announced last week, the Canoe Race has moved to Sid Richardson Scout Ranch. We are grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support for this event and appreciate everyone who has helped make the transition possible.

We are still looking for additional volunteers to help support the event. Tickets are available for Scouts and Scouters who would like to participate in the race. We encourage those interested to join us for what promises to be a great day of fellowship, competition and Scouting fun. Register to volunteer or participate by visiting the event registration page.

Register for the Canoe Race

Women in the Woods Returns to Camp Tahuaya

We are pleased to announce that Women in the Woods will return to Camp Tahuaya December 4-6, 2026.

Originally launched in 2023, and held at Camp Tahuaya in 2024, Women in the Woods is a weekend program designed for female Scouts BSA members and provides an opportunity for fun, fellowship, adventure and connection with other Scouts.

The event is also a great opportunity for Troops that serve female Scouts to introduce others to the Scouting experience. Invite a friend who may be interested in joining your Troop and give them the opportunity to experience the fun of Scouting firsthand. Cub Scouts in Arrow of Light Dens are also invited to come out and learn more about the Scouts BSA program, and maybe even find their future Troop!

Worth Ranch Remains Closed

We appreciate your continued patience, understanding and support as we work through the impact of the Ross Fire. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available and will share additional program changes and opportunities with the Scouting community.

Our next scheduled update will be on Tuesday, September 8.

Thank You for Supporting Worth Ranch

Over the past two weeks, we have been overwhelmed by the incredible support shown to Worth Ranch, Longhorn Council, and the Scouting community. Thank you to everyone who has reached out, donated, shared updates, and found ways to help during this difficult time.

A special thank you to the Scouts, families, and supporters who donated items for First Responders. Those donations were recently picked up by the Tarrant County Sheriff's Department Labor Unit. The items will be provided to several airports supporting fire efforts, as well as volunteer firefighters.

Scouts Making a Difference Through Our Annual Popcorn Fundraiser

We also want to celebrate an incredible showing of support during opening weekend of our popcorn sale.

From August 28-30, Trail's End (the company Longhorn Council partners with for our annual popcorn fundraiser) offered to match 50% of all Heroes & Helpers donations made within Longhorn Council, with those matching funds supporting the Worth Ranch Recovery Fund.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of our Scouts, families, leaders, and supporters, Longhorn Council generated $25,574 in traditional Heroes & Helpers sales during opening popcorn weekend!

Through Trail's End's special Worth Ranch campaign, that currently projects a $12,837 contribution to the Worth Ranch Recovery Fund, pending final transaction settlement.

This is an amazing example of Scouts making a difference. Every conversation, every ask, and every donation helped create an impact far beyond the sale itself.

Thank you to everyone who promoted Heroes & Helpers, shared posts, worked storefronts, and encouraged customers to participate. Together, you helped create something truly special for Worth Ranch.

Scouting Support in Action

Scouts, families, leaders, and supporters continue to make a difference through their generosity and service.

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Important Safety Reminder

Thank you for standing with Worth Ranch and for the tremendous support you have shown over the past two weeks.

Adam Turner, Public Information Officer with the Texas A&M Forest Service, is sharing another look at Worth Ranch following the Ross Fire. Today's video includes additional footage from the supervised visit to portions of Worth Ranch that was highlighted in yesterday's update.

Among the scenes captured that day was a moment that carried special significance. In this video, you'll see the American flag raised at Worth Ranch. A simple but powerful reminder that the spirit of Worth Ranch, a place that has shaped generations, remains strong.

Thank you for your continued support, patience, and prayers for everyone involved in the response and recovery effort.

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Special Message from Wendy Shaw, Longhorn Council Scout Executive

Worth Ranch remains closed and unsafe to visit following the Ross Fire.

Recently, I was able to visit the property under the direct supervision of the Texas A&M Forest Service. In today's video update, Adam Turner, Public Information Officer with the Texas A&M Forest Service and a local Eagle Scout, explains some of the hazards and conditions that continue to exist across the property.

While I was grateful for this opportunity to begin assessing conditions, significant safety concerns remain. Fire-weakened trees, unstable terrain, damaged infrastructure, and ongoing wildfire operations continue to present serious risks throughout the property.

I recognize there is significant interest in Worth Ranch. As recovery and assessment efforts continue, my team encourages everyone to rely on official Longhorn Council communications for the most current and accurate information rather than speculation or unverified reports.

My team also knows many people are eager for updates. Our goal this week is to provide a brief update each weekday through our website and social media channels as information becomes available.

For the latest updates and official information, follow Longhorn Council on social media and visit LonghornCouncil.org/rossfireupdate.

Yours in Scouting,

Wendy Shaw
Longhorn Council Scout Executive/CEO

We are still actively working with emergency responders and key leaders to determine the next steps and the path forward for Worth Ranch. While the property has not yet been officially assessed and remains unsafe, we are deeply humbled by the outpouring of positivity, encouragement, and support from Scouts, Scouters, alumni, families, volunteers, and friends.

For everyone's safety, please continue to stay away from the property and allow authorized personnel to complete their work.

Wear Your Worth Ranch Gear on Fridays

We invite everyone who has a Worth Ranch shirt or other gear to wear it on Fridays as a way to show support for the camp and the many people who have been impacted. Share a photo on social media and encourage others to join you in showing your Worth Ranch pride. Add the hashtag #WorthRanchRecovery to your posts!

Scouting Spirit in Action: The Canoe Race Continues

We know the Brazos River Canoe Race is a tradition that many Scouts, families, and volunteers look forward to each year, and we recognize the importance of this event to so many in our Scouting community.

We are excited to share that the annual Brazos River Canoe Race will still take place this year. The event is being moved to Sid Richardson Scout Ranch, allowing this beloved tradition to continue.

Registration is now being expanded to 800 participants, and approximately 300 additional spots are available. Registration is open.

Register for the Brazos River Canoe Race

All Call for Canoes and Supplies

As we prepare for the Canoe Race at Sid Richardson Scout Ranch, we are seeking donations and/or loans of essential equipment, including:

• 2-person canoes (at least 50 total)
• Canoe paddles (at least 100)
• Canoe trailers
• Life jackets in both youth and adult sizes (at least 100)

If you or your organization can help provide any of these items, please reach out to our team by emailing CanoeRace@Longhorn.org.

A Scout is Helpful…Help Prepare Sid Richardson Scout Ranch

As preparations continue for the Canoe Race, we will also need volunteers to help prepare Sid Richardson Scout Ranch for the event. Please mark your calendar for a Work Day on Saturday, September 12.

Support Worth Ranch Through Our Annual Popcorn Sale

Trail's End is providing an additional way to support Worth Ranch. For Heroes and Helpers donations made this weekend, Trail's End will provide a 50% cash match and direct those matching funds to the Worth Ranch Recovery Fund.

Thank you again for the continued prayers, encouragement, volunteer support, and generosity you have shown throughout this difficult time.

Before sharing today's update, we want to express our sincere gratitude to the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency management teams, and other first responders who continue to work tirelessly on the Ross Fire.

Over the past several days, we have been deeply moved by the stories, photos, prayers, and messages shared by Scouts, Scouters, alumni, volunteers, and friends of Worth Ranch. Thank you for reminding us that the spirit of Worth Ranch is found not only in its buildings, but in the generations of lives shaped there.

Today, we are sharing additional photographs provided by emergency response personnel that offer a clearer view of some of the damage caused by the Ross Fire.

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Please Continue to Stay Away from Worth Ranch

We understand the desire many have to visit the ranch and see conditions firsthand. However, Worth Ranch remains unsafe for public access due to damaged structures, debris, compromised infrastructure, and other potential hazards.

In the meantime, we encourage you to continue sharing your Worth Ranch stories and memories. The Ross Fire may have changed the landscape, but it has not changed the impact Worth Ranch has had on generations of Scouts and leaders.

In this video update, Greg Bird, Chairman of the Longhorn Council Property Foundation & Eagle Scout, reflects on the legacy of Worth Ranch, the impact of the Ross Fire, and the spirit of resilience that will guide the future of Worth Ranch.

Over the past several days, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from Scouts, Scouters, alumni, camp staff, volunteers, donors, and friends of Worth Ranch. On behalf of the Longhorn Council, thank you.

Assessment and Next Steps

Longhorn Council leadership continues to work closely with emergency management personnel and first responders as response efforts to the Ross Fire continue.

We are currently attempting to coordinate an on-site visit for key council leadership and assessment personnel with emergency responders. At this time, no visit has been scheduled, and no timeline has been established.

While preliminary aerial imagery indicates widespread and catastrophic damage across much of the property, the full extent of the impact remains unknown until trained teams can safely conduct an in-person assessment.

Please Do Not Enter Worth Ranch. The property remains unsafe for public access.

Many structures appear to have sustained catastrophic damage and may be unstable. In addition, unknown hazards may exist throughout the property, including compromised roads, utilities, debris, and other safety concerns.

A Scout is Helpful….

At this time, there are two meaningful ways to support recovery efforts.

Support the Worth Ranch Recovery Fund

Those wishing to contribute to future recovery efforts may donate through the Worth Ranch Recovery Fund.

Support First Responders and Displaced Families

Longhorn Council is also serving as a collection point for supplies that will be delivered to firefighters, emergency personnel, and families affected by the Ross Fire. Donations can be dropped off at our Hurst Service Center: 850 Cannon Drive, Hurst, TX 76054.

Be Prepared

For those with upcoming Scouting events scheduled at Worth Ranch, we encourage you to keep those events on your calendar for now. Our camping and program teams are actively evaluating alternatives and developing plans to relocate events to other Longhorn Council properties where appropriate.

A Note About the Brazos River Canoe Race

Our team is actively evaluating the impact of the fire on our plans and exploring options to ensure we can continue to provide a safe and memorable experience for participants.

The History of Worth Ranch

We encourage everyone to read the History of Worth Ranch, a historical narrative prepared with support from the Longhorn Council Historical Society.

Looking Forward

The coming days will bring many questions and challenges. But they will also demonstrate something we’ve known for nearly a century: Worth Ranch has always been sustained by people who believe in the mission of Scouting.

The Ross Fire has changed the landscape, but it has not changed that mission.

New Information Regarding Worth Ranch

As aerial images from Fox 4 News of Worth Ranch Scout Camp emerge, many members of the Scouting community are seeing firsthand the devastating impact of the Ross Fire.

While a comprehensive on-site assessment has not yet been completed, the imagery appears to confirm that a significant number of camp structures have sustained catastrophic damage.

We recognize that viewing these images is difficult and emotional for many. Worth Ranch has been a place of adventure, growth, friendship, and tradition for generations of Scouts and Scouters.

Most importantly, we continue to be grateful that no Scouts, campers, guests, or staff were injured as a result of the fire.

Stay Away from the Property

Due to the damage to many structures and the unknown condition of roads, utilities, and other infrastructure, it is critical that no one attempts to visit, enter, or access Worth Ranch Scout Camp.

Worth Ranch Recovery Fund

Those who wish to support future recovery efforts may contribute to the Worth Ranch Recovery Fund.

Share Your Worth Ranch Stories

We encourage current and former Scouts, Scouters, camp staff, alumni, and friends of Worth Ranch to share their favorite memories, photos, and stories on the Worth Ranch Facebook Group.

Supporting First Responders & Displaced Families

Longhorn Council will serve as a collection point for supplies that will be delivered directly to first responders, fire crews, and displaced families.

• Bottled Water
• Gatorade and Sports Drinks
• Liquid IV or other hydration packets
• Pickles and pickle juice
• Meat sticks and high-protein snacks
• Granola bars
• Pet food

Donations may be dropped off at the Longhorn Council Service Center, 850 Cannon Drive, Hurst, during normal business hours.

The Longhorn Council is closely monitoring the Ross Fire and its impact on the Worth Ranch Scout Camp property.

First and foremost, we are grateful to report that there were no Scouts, campers, or guests at camp when the fire entered the area. The Camp Ranger and all personnel were safely evacuated.

Our thoughts today are with the first responders who continue working tirelessly to protect lives and property, as well as the families and communities across Palo Pinto County who have been impacted by this wildfire.

While assessments are ongoing, we can confirm that multiple structures at Worth Ranch Scout Camp have sustained catastrophic damage.

For safety reasons, please do not travel to or visit Worth Ranch Scout Camp. This includes the use of personal drones, as they can stall emergency response.

At this time, our priority is supporting first responders, affected families, and the broader communities responding to this emergency.

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We know how deeply you care about Worth Ranch and how difficult it is to watch the events unfolding due to the Ross Fire. We also understand the desire to help, check on the property, or see conditions firsthand.

At this time, the area surrounding Worth Ranch is closed to all except essential emergency services personnel and authorized officials.

We respectfully ask all volunteers, Scouting families, alumni, friends, and supporters of Worth Ranch to honor these restrictions and avoid traveling to the ranch or the surrounding area until authorities determine it is safe to do so.

The best way to support those working on the front lines is to allow them the space and resources they need to respond effectively.

The Ross Fire is currently active in the area surrounding Worth Ranch Scout Camp, and emergency personnel are actively monitoring and responding to the situation.

For the safety of our Scouting families, volunteers, staff, and the public, please do not travel to or enter Worth Ranch until further notice.

We understand there is a great deal of concern and interest regarding the camp. To help prevent the spread of misinformation, we encourage everyone to rely only on official Longhorn Council communication channels for accurate and timely updates.

Official updates will be shared through:

• Longhorn Council social media pages
• Official communications from Longhorn Council leadership

Please avoid sharing unverified reports, photos, or speculation regarding conditions at camp.

Our thoughts are with the firefighters, emergency personnel, and all those impacted by this wildfire.