Phoenix rising through the ashes (Woolsey fire) !

Please help!!!

Randy Childs just lost all of his belongings when the Woolsey fire tore through Malibu leaving him homeless. He lost his unique Disney warehouse props, his knife and tomahawk collection, his antique pioneer tools, nature education supplies, his computer, clothing, multiple vehicles and more.  A donation of any amount will help make a difference and will be greatly appreciated!


"The yurt, or circular tent-like structure in which he lived, had become a mound of ashes. Vestiges of melted aluminum were evidence of his vintage Airstream trailer. His rustic tool collection, tomahawks and axes, family heirlooms and important documents also were gone."



One of Randy's hobbies was collecting first edition books. They were all burned as well.

Randy's recently purchased Tool Truck that he hoped to make into a roaming antique and book store totally melted!

Randy, the outgoing 70 year old Adventure Program director for Camp JCA Shalom had lived and worked in this idyllic mountain haven teaching campers outdoor education since 2004,  he instructed with the non-profit Wilderness Institute since 1984, and taught many other outdoor groups through his own Outdoor Learning business.  He has worked  his whole adult life teaching others to overcome their fears through ropes courses, to respect the beauty and healing benefits of nature, and to value handmade items and learn resilience through his pioneer programs. Over the years, he has instilled a love of the outdoors to thousands of adults and children alike, and touched many lives for the better....


Randy also works with his brother Brad, at the non-profit 501(c)3 Wilderness Institute. They were just getting ready to establish a Pioneer Living Center at their new camp. Unfortunately all the antiques and program gear was lost in the fire.

An article in the Los Angeles Daily News tells his story: https://www.dailynews.com/2018/11/21/despite-devastating-losses-woolsey-fire-victims-count-their-blessings-ahead-of-thanksgiving-day/ 

“Everyone (at the Shalom Institute) has lots of loss,” said Childs, who has a long white beard and is often referred to as “Gandalf” by the campers for his resemblance to the fictional character in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.” “We’re all sharing this sense of loss together.”

“I think people can get through just about anything if they are surrounded by people who care; that to me is what Thanksgiving is about,” Randy said.

We are so grateful that Randy survived this fire with his life and now we hope to help him make a new home for himself.

It is with a Leap of Faith that we put this request out to all of you. Thank you for your much appreciated donation!


Randy demonstrating the "Leap of Faith" ropes course element.