WOODWARD, Iowa – (July 9, 2021) – A powerful storm that moved through Mitigwa Scout Reservation near Woodward Friday prompted camp staff to declare a weather emergency and, for the first time, Scouts and leaders took shelter in new storm shelters installed following last year’s derecho. As the storm approached, camp staff activated the emergency weather safety plan, directing all on the property to take immediate shelter in one of seven concrete-fortified storm shelters throughout Mitigwa. More than 200 people sought refuge in the emergency shelters. The shelters were completed last month just before Mitigwa began its 99th continuous summer camp program.

“This was a dangerous storm that produced damaging winds and large hail,” Matt Hill, Mid-Iowa Council CEO said. “We’re very thankful for these new shelters and that no one was hurt.” The camp staff are assessing buildings and trees for damage at the 460-acre Scout camp. The August 10, 2020, derecho, which struck eight days after the last group of boys and girls left for the season, caused millions in damage to camp facilities and destroyed countless trees. Since then, Mid-Iowa Council built the seven storm shelters, replaced damaged roofs on dozens of buildings, cleared tons of fallen trees and branches and replaced the camp’s shooting range, which was destroyed.

Mitigwa storm 7.9.2021

Mitigwa Hail, 7/9/21

While the council funded the repairs through its post-derecho “Mitigwa Strong” fundraising campaign, it is still $672,000 dollars short of its fundraising goal, which includes adding more storm shelters, renovating, or replacing many camp facilities and replanting lost trees. “We hoped we wouldn’t have to use these new shelters, much less so quickly,” Hill said. “We can’t thank people enough for supporting us in our efforts to protect Scouts, families and staff who are here to enjoy a summer camp experience. Most importantly, all campers at Mitigwa are safe and sound thanks to these shelters.”

For more information about rebuilding Mitigwa contact Grant Reigelman, Director of Support Service, 515-266-2135 or Grant.Reigelman@scouting.org.  To donate to the Mitigwa Strong fund visit CampIowa.org/MitigwaStrong

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About Mid-Iowa Council, BSA Mid-Iowa Council serves more than 10,000 youth and families in 27 Iowa counties. The council supports programs for youth and Scout units that build character, train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develop physical and mental fitness. ScoutingIowa.org

About Boy Scouts of America The Boy Scouts of America provides the nation’s foremost youth programs of character development and values-based leadership training, helping young people be “Prepared. For Life.” Scouting.org