MSN: 4 Boy Scouts die in Iowa tornado
As an Eagle Scout my heart goes out to the families of the scouts killed and injured in the Iowa tornado. The thoughts and prayers of your brethren are always with you.
As a Boy Scout, I survived at least three (three that were strong enough to leave a lasting impression some 15 plus years later, there were probably more) tornado scares while participating in scouting related activities.
Once at summer camp, where fortunately we were in a position to find shelter in the basement of our OA lodge. Around a hundred or so scouts, parents, and leaders huddled in a small recreation room for an hour, but we were fortunate the tornado missed us with the brunt of its force.
Another time we were preparing to hike up to our private campsite, built on a high ridge on my grandmothers property. Luckily we hadn’t started the trek up the hill and were able to bunker down in my grandmothers basement. We watched as the funnel cloud passed directly over the top of the ridge, downing trees and spinning off heavy rain and hail along the way. We were thankfull not to have been stuck in it.
The third time, we were at a Jamboree at Brown County State Park. The first night there we suffered through monsoon-like rain fall, heavy lightning, and strong winds. The second night tornado warnings were issued, and we abandoned camp and headed for shelter. Needless to say we were glad to have not spent another night in those conditions.
I am greatly saddened to hear of the loss of these young men, and the injury of at least another 48 others at the camp.
- On my honor I will do my best
- To do my duty to God and my country
- and to obey the Scout Law;
- To help other people at all times;
- To keep myself physically strong,
- mentally awake, and morally straight.
