Members of the scouting community are reflecting on their time at Worth Ranch as officials assess the damage caused by the Ross Fire. The blaze, now among the largest wildfires in North Texas history, swept through the 800-acre camp in Palo Pinto County on Monday.
Worth Ranch sits along the Brazos River, approximately 60 miles west of Fort Worth. Established in 1930 with donations from local business leaders, the wilderness camp was named after the nearby city. While the full extent of the destruction remains unclear, aerial footage and images from emergency responders indicate severe damage to numerous structures.
No campers were present when the fire started, and staff members were evacuated safely. Despite the loss, former attendees have taken to social media to honor the site, often referring to it as "Beautiful Worth." Posts highlight life-changing friendships, early morning hikes, canoe races, and gatherings around campfires.
Connor Wardle, a Lake Worth resident, described the camp as a second home. His father, an Eagle Scout, introduced him to the property at age two. Wardle attended his first summer camp there in 2013 and later served on staff, leading nature and ecology programs and teaching kayaking.
Wardle earned his Eagle Scout rank in 2020, crediting Worth Ranch with playing a significant role in that achievement. He continued to support the camp through community work days and by donating lesson plans to the current nature director in June.
Matt Hunter, a Fort Worth native and third-generation scout, also shared memories of his time at the ranch. He joined Troop 326 in the 1990s and pitched tents at the Todd Campsite. His troop helped build the Don Curry Nature Trail on Kyle Mountain, replacing an older path damaged by erosion.
