San Juan Capistrano : Scouts to Clean Up Land in Lieu of Rent

A small army of Boy Scouts is expected to descend on six acres of city-owned land today to clean it up so they can camp there next weekend.

In an arrangement approved by the City Council, the Scouts will be allowed to use the city land just west of Camino Capistrano near Trabuco Creek for their labor in lieu of rent.

The Scouts plan to put on a large display of activities Sept. 17. The public is invited. Later that night, a campfire program and camp out is planned.

An estimated 400 to 700 Scouts from South County are expected to participate.

The group is the first to receive city permission to use open-space land obtained through a local bond measure. The land the Scouts will camp on is part of a former citrus grove.

“We’re going in as a service to clean up the property and prepare it,” said Paul Watkins, program chairman.

Watkins, a volunteer, said about 100 Scouts will work from 8 to 10 a.m. today, picking up old wood, metal pieces from what used to be smudge pots and litter.

Watkins said the Scouts will receive service credit for their efforts.

During next Saturday’s “Scouting on Display” program, youths will show off skills and hobbies.

Information: (714) 493-6469.