Idyllwild Arts Camp evacuees getting help from local community
Many campers in the Idyllwild area were forced to evacuate after the Cranston Fire broke out Wednesday. That included kids from the Idyllwild Arts Camp.
It seems like any ordinary day at the Wet N Wild Water Park with kids hitting the water on a hot day. However- some of them are from Idyllwild Arts Camp, seeking a reprieve from their unexpected journey.
“In orchestra rehearsal they told us that it’s a small fire being contained but within five minutes right when lunch start, we had to evacuate,” Shive Sinha, a camper, said.
Hundreds of children and staff got out of the camp and off the mountain as the fire grew in size.
“We weren’t allowed to get our stuff because it was growing too quickly, so it was kind of an event,” Sinha said.
Camp staff made sure the evacuations were swift, giving parents reassurance.
“They had gotten a message from us that their kids were safe at Banning High School before they knew there was anything going on, so that made me very happy and satisfied,” Mark Davis, a camp director for the Idyllwild Arts Foundation, said.
As a way to bide time, the kids spent a day at the water park- and got a hearty breakfast from the American Legion Post 519 in Palm Springs.
“They we’re so ecstatic and excited that their community reached out to help them,” Leslie Vondra, a member of the Legion post, said.
The food was donated by the Broken Yolk Cafe, which campers were thankful to have.
“The breakfast was great and I think it’s absolutely amazing how quickly everybody can come together and help out people in need,” Jared Moore, a camper, said.
The local community more than willing to offer help.
“To know that we’re able to help these kids and know that they have a safe place to come and that we’re always here is one of the greatest feelings in the world,” Vondra said.
Feelings of compassion that allowing the campers to stay positive.
Davis said their campground is safe so far as the fire breaks around their property have successfully kept flames at bay.
