Tornado Hits BSA Scout Camp

Four Scouts died and 48 others wounded as a BSA camp was hit by a tornado last Wednesday. At 6:53 pm local time, the EF3 tornado struck the Little Sioux Scout Ranch during a Pahuk Pride National Youth Leadership Training Program (NYLT). The tornado was one of 28 reported late Wednesday moving across eastern Kansas and into Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota. Scouts attending the week long Pahuk Pride event at the camp were from eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.

The National Weather Service office in Valley, Nebraska, said they issued a tornado warning 12 minutes before the tornado hit the camp. A tornado siren went off in the camp, but the Scouts had already taken shelter. According to a camp counselor, most injuries and fatalities happened after a small cabin where the Scouts were taking shelter was hit by the tornado. Many of the injuries is reported to have happened after a brick fireplace in the cabin was ripped by the tornado during the incident.

The ones who were killed in the incident are Josh Fennen, 13; Sam Thomsen, 13; Ben Petrzilka, 14; and Aaron Eilerts, 14.

We are deeply saddened by the horrific impact of the devastating storms that tore through western Iowa yesterday. To the families of those who were affected, we extend our deepest sympathies and concern. To the leaders, Scouts, and emergency personnel who responded so quickly and effectively, we extend our sincerest gratitude. – (BSA)