For decades, the LAPD and the LA Department of Parks and Recreation operated Camp Valcrest in the Angeles National Forest, offering urban youth a place to experience the outdoors. However, the camp eventually closed and fell into severe disrepair. It might have continued to deteriorate if not for a charitable nonprofit organization that stepped in with an ambitious mission to restore it—reviving the camp as a haven for young people once again.

I. Beginnings. The Deputy Auxiliary Police (DAPS)

In 1945, the Los Angeles Police Department developed Camp Valcrest for its juvenile division, the Deputy Auxiliary Police (DAP) program. This program exposes youth (ages 9 to 13) to experiences they might not otherwise have due to their social and economic backgrounds. Also, it introduces participants to the field of law enforcement while instilling important values that help them become productive members of the community.

Camp Valcrest sign 1947-1950. Credit: USC

Brief information about Camp Valcrest and DAPS in a LAPD training video 1947-1950. Credit: USC

The LAPD developed Camp Valcrest in a 40-acre lot in the Angeles National Forest for the Daps to spend recreational time in the mountains: “All Daps are welcome to spend a week at Camp Valcrest for the nominal sum of $7, which includes three whopping meals daily and round-trip transportation. The recreation program includes hikes, nature and woodcraft study, movies and camp-fire shows.” (LA Times, July 1945)

Opening day at Camp Valcrest, LA Times, July 1945

Flag duties at Camp Valcrest. Credit: Brice Taylor’s USC master’s thesis “Youth’s Big Brothers: The Police” (1946)

A lodge at Camp Valcrest. Credit: Brice Taylor’s USC master’s thesis “Youth’s Big Brothers: The Police” (1946)

A structure at Camp Valcrest. Credit: Brice Taylor’s USC master’s thesis “Youth’s Big Brothers: The Police” (1946)

Front of Camp Valcrest Brochure

In this pamphlet, a map shows camp sections organized by LA locations, as well as Eaton Lodge.

As part of the city’s budget cuts, the LAPD closed operation of the camp in 1958, being unable to provide funding or manpower. Consequently, the City’s Recreation and Parks Department took over the camp in 1959

II. Organization Camp, LA Dept of Rec & Parks (1959-2000)

The National Forest Service issued a Special Use Permit to City of LA Recreation and Parks (RAP) Department in December 1959 for permission to operate Camp Valcrest as an organization camp. 

The primary goal for the city-owned camp was to provide urban youth the opportunities to experience the outdoors. Affordable summer camping was available for families or groups looking to host seminars or retreats. The city’s recreation centers facilitated camping trips for the kids. At Camp Valcrest, there were twenty-five total structures, including the main lodge with a kitchen and dining hall, three dorms, an amphitheater, a swimming pool, and various sport activities. 

By the late 90s, the city was struggling to maintain the camp at acceptable standards to remain open to the public. It could not secure enough financial resources to upkeep the camp, primarily burdened with water supply issues. The camp ceased operations and was left to decay for more than 20 years, slowly being deteriorated to the elements, animals and vandalism. 

That is, until a passionate organization decided to take initiative in the formidable task of restoring the camp… so that it can continue gifting underserved urban youth recreational experiences in the great outdoors. Enter GOALS…

III. Camp Valcrest by GOALS (2020-present)

Before GOALS took over, Camp Valcrest had been closed for over 20 years. 

Growth Opportunities through Athletics, Learning & Service (GOALS) is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved youth through a combination of athletic, educational, and community service programs.

GOALS succeeded in obtaining a 20-year agreement to assume full responsibility for the Camp’s restoration and operation. This was accomplished by drawing up a sublicense from the Forest Service and the City of LA Recreation and Parks (RAP) Department.

The city granted use of the camp provided that GOALS assumes all costs and expenses for the complete restoration and operation to maintain Camp Valcrest as a recreational overnight wilderness camp for youth. The main objective for the camp is shared between these two organizations “for the benefit and enjoyment of underserved youth…who would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience a week or weekend-long adventure in the wilderness.”

Once the camp is restored, the plan between RAP and GOALS is to cooperatively fill the Camp with youth from Los Angeles and RAP recreation centers in conjunction with youth enrolled in GOALS’ existing programs.

An example of what a typical camp day would look like:

Due to the relative scale and complexity of the broad restoration project, GOALS planned to work over a multi-year period, addressing camp structures and infrastructure. So far it has accomplished the near restoration of the camp, provided that cooperation from other agencies continues with water issues.

Some improvements:
–Main Lodge- Includes a multipurpose room, staff lodging, a large commercial kitchen, dining area and an outside concrete deck with table and benches for outdoor barbecues
–Three dormitory cabins: Mohawk, Cree, Apache
–Three small “activity” cabins, which may be used as camp education
–Small Residence (host/manager/caretaker lodging)
–Workshop Cabin/Repair Shop
–Outdoor Amphitheater (camp fire circle)
–Canteen Shed
–Shorkey’s Showerhouse -small, single-shower building
–Archery deck and horseshoe zone
–“Fox Field” backstop
–Plans to repurpose the old pool and pool house facility into a unique ice rink & sports zone
–Future plans to restore 5 additional Summer cabins

Deteriorating Camp Valcrest sign with GOALS signage 

Entrance to camp, main lodge on the left. 

On the patio of main lodge, photo by Dave Wilk

Historical plaque says: “Honoring Mayor Fletcher C. Bowron for founding the Deputy Auxiliary Police and Camp Valcrest for the Youth of the City of Los Angeles 1943 1953” photo by Dave Wilk

The old pool house and pool structure which might be converted into an ice rink (the origins of GOALS has some history with the Anaheim Ducks)

Newly restored amphitheater or camp circle. Photo by Dave Wilk

Another look at the fire circle

One of the many beautiful restorations. Fox Field backstop

This is an adaptation of an old map made of Camp Valcrest.

A great deal of gratitude goes to GOALS for taking initiative and preserving this dilapidated historical structure in the Angeles Forest. The newly restored Camp Valcrest will soon be up and running, welcoming buses full of kids from underserved neighborhoods in Los Angeles and inspiring a new generation to appreciate the outdoors!