08/12/2026
🎉 Happy (Early!) Birthday, Ernest Thompson Seton!
Born on August 14, 1860, “Ernie" Seton was a naturalist, author, wildlife artist and the visionary founder of the organization that would ultimately grow into Woodcraft Rangers. Seton believed deeply in the power of nature, storytelling, and hands-on experience to shape character, and that every young person deserves the chance to discover their own strengths outside the walls of a traditional classroom.
Over a century later, that founding spirit still runs through everything we do. Seton's original philosophy has grown into two core beliefs that guide us today: every child is innately good, and every child should be a participant in defining their own path.
What started as a small program rooted in outdoor exploration has expanded into a Southern California-wide movement serving thousands of students across 150+ school sites with programs spanning STEM, the arts, cultural clubs, mental health support, and more.
And true to Seton's roots, we continue to nurture that deep connection to nature through , our year-round outdoor education and retreat center in the San Bernardino Mountains. At camp, young people get to disconnect from the everyday, reconnect with nature, and discover what they're capable of through outdoor adventure and exploration!
While many things have evolved over time, the mission hasn’t. Thank you, Ernie, for planting the seed that continues to grow today. 🌱
