Camping Iowa Boy Scouts were 'prepared' for nasty storms

(Woodward, IA) -- Strong storms hit Iowa's largest Boy Scout Camp Friday, but the scouts lived up to their "Always Be Prepared" motto. Camp Mitigwa near Woodward in central Iowa decided to install seven, concrete storm shelters after the devastating derecho in August of 2020. When storms rolled thru Friday, July 9th, staff activated it's emergency weather safety plan, directing more than 200 scouts and camp staff to the new 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.”

Staffers are assessing buildings and trees for damage at the 460-acre Scout camp.

The August 10, 2020, derecho, which hit just after camping season, caused millions in damage to camp facilities and destroyed countless trees.

The Mid-Iowa Council has since replaced damaged roofs on dozens of buildings, cleared tons of fallen trees and branches and replaced the camp’s shooting range, which was destroyed.

They've launched a "Mitigwa Strong” fundraiser, which is still $672,000 dollars short of its fundraising goal. The Mid-Iowa Council wants to add more storm shelters, renovate or replace many camp facilities and replant 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.”