Hit the Ditches!

Hit the ditches! Over the years, these dreaded words have been heard way too often by Scouts and leaders at Camp. Many have experienced the fear and anxiety that occurs when the siren is screeching, staff are scurrying about, and the wind is howling. Rain is pelting, and what to do? Jump into a low area and hope for the best!

Contrary to what the soaked campers make think at the time, this is currently the safest option at Camp. Camp staff were recognized by the National Weather Service with the coveted StormReady award. We are the only Camp in the country to have earned this award. But that is absolutely not enough!

Storm preparedness at Camp will leap forward next summer with installation a series of storm refuge areas. No one in camp sites or formal program areas will be more than a five minute run for refuge. They will be lit by indicators at night, and will contain first aid kits. Our siren will also have a battery back-up system. I personally was lobbying for air conditioning and flush toilets, but lost that battle.

This is truly a community effort. Linn County Emergency Management has approved the plan. Following a lead gift by Wayne and Janet Steen, Steve Rose and Marie Watson Cherry stepped forward with significant personal support. Incredible commitments from the AEGON Transamerica Foundation and the Hall-Perrine Foundation enabled the project to begin. Cretex Concrete Products Midwest, Inc., with offices in Cedar Rapids, is providing a significant gift-in-kind of concrete cattle passes that makes this project possible.

I will be bringing regular updates to you in the next few months. Meanwhile, we’ll continue to Hit the Ditches when necessary! See you at Camp.