On the evening of Sept. 18, 2025, Tropical Storm Mario passed over the San Bernardino mountains, tracing the path of the El Dorado Fire of 2020. Flash flooding and mudslides ravaged the local mountain communities.
In a letter shared on Sept. 30, Southern California Conference (SCC) President John H. Cress wrote, “As you know, in recent years our beloved camp has endured its share of natural challenges, fires, mudslides, heavy snow, and flooding, that at times have forced us to close the camp temporarily. Yet through it all, we continue to thank God that Camp Cedar Falls has been preserved.”
Situated in the Angelus Oaks community, the SCC camp, Camp Cedar Falls, didn’t escape damage from the storm. The beloved treehouse and suspension bridge were washed away in the storm, along with the secondary road that leads to the camp’s water tanks and a portion of Highway 38 just beyond the camp entrance. The storm left the property without power and water.
“While we are grateful that no buildings were destroyed, the damage is significant,” Cress wrote. “Even so, when we look at the devastation around our camp, our hearts are filled with gratitude. The damage at Camp Cedar Falls, while real, is small compared to the destruction many in our surrounding community are facing. Once again, we thank the Lord for His protecting hand over this sanctuary in nature.”
According to Caltrans District 8, Highway 38 will be closed in both directions for an “unknown duration” of time, with the closure in effect just beyond The Oaks Restaurant in Angelus Oaks, at the time of writing.
“At this time, the SCC officers are carefully assessing the damage, reviewing our insurance, and prayerfully considering the next steps for repair and restoration,” Cress continued. “We ask you to join us in prayer, thanking God for His continued care, seeking His wisdom as we move forward, and asking Him to provide the resources needed to rebuild.” To see more photos, stay tuned with updates, and learn about how you can get involved, visit https://scc. adventist.org/camp-cedar-falls-2025-updates.
