X-keys and Wildfires

Northwest Event Video team spreads awareness about wildfires in Oregon with live-streaming.

The Santiam Fire, Oregon's 2020 wildfire season.

In the heartrending chronicles of natural disasters, few calamities hold a torch to the infernal tempest that was Oregon's 2020 wildfire season.

This particular year blazed its way into infamy, earning a fearsome reputation as one of the most ruinous wildfire seasons ever recorded.

Amidst the myriad wildfires that scarred the landscape, one stands out - the Santiam Fire.

Born from the combustion of three separate blazes, the Santiam Fire grew into a fiery titan that knew no boundaries. This monstrous wildfire spread its wrath across four counties, consuming an astounding expanse of over 400,000 acres. As if the sight of once-lush landscapes turned to scorched wastelands wasn't horrifying enough, the inferno danced its way through the heart of communities, turning homes and dreams into ash and smoke.

This hillside was once lush forest housing campsites for Butte Creek campers and guests - all destroyed by fire.

The towns of Gates, Detroit, Lyons, Idanha, and Mill City were among the hardest hit. Their streets and homes, once brimming with life, were reduced to grim silhouettes against a charred backdrop. Five invaluable lives were claimed by the merciless flame, a tragic toll that will forever echo in the silent aftermath. Over 1,500 structures, symbols of security and comfort for many, were obliterated. The devastation was overwhelming, the wreckage immeasurable.

In the path of the relentless Santiam Fire was a cherished locale nestled amongst Oregon's verdant expanses - Butte Creek, a cub scout horse camp. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and the joy it brought to countless youngsters, this haven of exploration and adventure did not escape the wildfire's destructive clutches.

As the wildfire swept across the land, the heart of Butte Creek remained miraculously unscathed. Its main structures - hallmarks of countless memories and tales of camaraderie - withstood the fiery onslaught.

However, the campsites that once teemed with laughter and wide-eyed cub scouts keen on adventure were not as fortunate. Each one succumbed to the blaze, their cheerful cacophony replaced by the eerie silence that typically follows devastation.

The extent of the damage to Butte Creek was severe. Where once there were lush landscapes and inviting campsites, there was now an expanse of scorched earth and the skeletal remains of camping facilities. Despite the heartbreak and significant setback, the spirit of Butte Creek remained undiminished.

Butte Creek Wildfire Damage

In the face of disaster, the scouting community rallied together in a remarkable show of solidarity. Generous donations poured in, each one a beacon of hope in the gloomy aftermath. Volunteers, fueled by their shared love for Butte Creek and the enduring memories it fostered, rolled up their sleeves and set to work. Bricks, timber, and sweat intermingled as they labored to restore the camp, their resolve unbroken by the enormity of the task.

Through their shared efforts, the formidable endeavor to rebuild Butte Creek proved possible. The ruins gave way to renovations, the desolation replaced by construction. Butte Creek stood testament to the resilience and unity of a community undeterred by calamity. Through perseverance and hard work, the beloved cub scout horse camp was not only able to rebuild, but it also emerged stronger than ever, ready to once again open its doors to the eager and adventurous spirits of cub scouts.

Wildland firefighters at Butte Creek.

While the phoenix-like rebirth of Butte Creek was a tale of triumph against adversity, the camp's future remains shrouded in uncertainty.

The revival of the physical structures was only the first step on a long path to recovery. The financial burdens associated with running such a vast property pose a significant challenge to the continued operation of the camp.

Wildland firefighters at Butte Creek.

Among the various operational expenses, the costs affiliated with maintaining Butte Creek's resident horses present a daunting financial hurdle. The camp proudly boasts the largest herd of any scout camp on the west coast. These equine companions are an integral part of the camp's unique appeal, offering invaluable experiences of bonding and responsibility to the cub scouts. However, the feeding, veterinary care, and general upkeep of such a large herd require substantial resources.

In response to these challenges, the Cascade Pacific Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which oversees the operations of the camp, devised an innovative solution. With a dual aim to secure the camp's future and foster a deeper bond between the camp and its generous patrons, they introduced an annual event known as the 'Butte Creek Roundup'.

Butte Creek Roundup Staff.

Held on the rejuvenated grounds of the camp, the Roundup serves as a platform for donors to witness firsthand the significance of their contributions. They are treated to various presentations that encapsulate the rich history, the present resilience, and the hopeful future of the camp. These displays illuminate the transformative power of the camp experience and its positive impact on countless young lives.

The highlight of the Roundup is a fundraising auction, where donors can bid on an array of items and experiences. Every penny raised during this vibrant event goes directly to support the ongoing operation of Butte Creek. Through the Roundup, the Cascade Pacific Council aims to secure a more stable financial foundation for the camp, thus ensuring that the legacy of Butte Creek can continue to shape the character and skills of many more generations of cub scouts.

Despite the hopeful promise that the Butte Creek Roundup holds for securing the camp's future, it does come with its own set of challenges.

The remote location of Butte Creek, nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Cascade Mountains, adds an element of logistical difficulty.

While the serene wilderness and expansive landscapes are part of the camp's charm, the journey to reach it may seem daunting for many prospective donors.

Furthermore, the scenic beauty of the area is accompanied by an inherent constraint on infrastructure. The specific venue within the camp where the Roundup is held has a limited capacity, accommodating only around 200 attendees. This restriction severely curtails the number of donors who can attend the event in person.

Although this intimacy can enhance the event's charm, offering a more personal connection between the attendees and the cause, it nonetheless presents a significant impediment to the fundraising potential of the Roundup. The cap on the number of donors limits the financial reach of the event, making it challenging to amass the substantial funds necessary to sustain the ongoing operations of Butte Creek and its impressive equine herd.

Recognizing the need for a wider reach and increased accessibility, the Cascade Pacific Council turned to the power of technology to overcome the logistical hurdles faced by the Butte Creek Roundup. To this end, they collaborated with Northwest Event Video, a live-stream production company known for its stellar reputation in transforming local events into global experiences.

Through the philanthropic contribution of their services, Northwest Event Video opened up a whole new dimension for the Roundup. By harnessing the potential of live-streaming technology, the company will provide a platform for the event to be experienced in real-time by audiences worldwide. This eliminates the geographical constraints that had previously limited the event's reach. Now, the remote and serene location of Butte Creek is no longer a barrier to participation, but rather an appealing backdrop enjoyed from the comfort of one's own home.

The introduction of live streaming significantly widens the scope of potential donors. Individuals around the world, regardless of their proximity to Butte Creek, can virtually attend the Roundup, immersing themselves in the presentations, feeling the excitement of the auction, and most importantly, contributing to the noble cause.

This innovative approach to the Butte Creek Roundup exemplified how technological advancements could be utilized to circumvent traditional fundraising barriers. By bringing the event to the doorsteps of potential donors across the globe, the hope of securing a robust financial foundation for the camp seemed more attainable than ever.

The undertaking of broadcasting a world-class live stream from such a remote location is no small feat. The idyllic location of Butte Creek, while perfect for a wilderness adventure, poses substantial challenges when it comes to the technical logistics of live streaming. The rough terrain and remote setting of the camp make deploying traditional outside-broadcast vehicles or production trucks an impossible endeavor.

Livestream set up for Butte Creek Roundup.

As such, the task at hand for Northwest Event Video is clear yet

formidable: they needed to create the production capabilities of a full-fledged television studio amidst the sprawling forestry of the Cascade Mountains.

The solution lay in carefully selecting equipment that was both functionally robust and logistically feasible for such a unique broadcasting location. It was imperative to prioritize gear that offered high functionality and adaptability, yet remained compact and lightweight. Any conventional equipment typically associated with a broadcast studio, such as large video switcher control panels, would simply be too bulky and impractical for this task.

Thus, Northwest Event Video turned to an unassuming, yet immensely powerful piece of technology - the XK-80 control panel from PI Engineering. With its compact size and lightweight design, the XK-80 emerged as an ideal choice for this challenging use case. Despite its modest physical footprint, it packs a significant punch when it comes to performance, able to be customized to handle all the critical capabilities expected of a video switcher control panel.

Livestream set up for Butte Creek Roundup utilizing a customized XK-80 Keyboard from X-keys.

In addition to its size and weight advantages, the XK-80 brings another key benefit to the table - simplicity. Its single USB connection eliminates the need for a maze of cables and connections, reducing the complexity of the setup process. This simplicity is a significant asset when dealing with the logistical challenges of staging an entire live production in a remote, forested location.

By selecting the XK-80 control panel, Northwest Event Video is able to effectively recreate the technical capacities of a television studio within the heart of the wilderness. This solution demonstrates the immense potential of technological innovation in overcoming obstacles and opening up new possibilities, ultimately bringing the captivating experience of the Butte Creek Roundup to a global audience.

New campsite rebuilt after the fire.