Iowa Boy Scouts Need Our Help

Scouts Helping Scouts - The Tragedy at Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Iowa

The tragedy that struck Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Iowa has touched all of us in the Scouting family. We all join together to mourn the loss of life for the 4 young Scouts who were participating in the leadership training camp that was in session when the devastating tornado struck the camp on Wednesday, June 11, 2008. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with those families as they go through the grieving process.



While we mourn the loss of those great young men, we do celebrate the lives that they lived and the many lives that they each touched. These 4 Scouts are a true example of the many great qualities of a Scout.



There is no doubt that the training that the Scouts had in emergency procedures and in first aid saved so many more lives at the camp that could have just as easily been lost. Scouting truly has made a difference in the final outcome of this great tragedy.



During my 24 year career with the Boy Scouts of America, I had the privilege of serving on the staff of the Mid America Council in Omaha, Nebraska, the home council of those Scouts and of Little Sioux Scout Ranch. I have spent many days and nights at that camp. It is a beautiful place filled with opportunity for the Scouts that camp there.



We have received many calls from concerned Scouters in our council inquiring how we might help in the rebuilding efforts of the camp. The Great Rivers Council has established a fund to assist in the rebuilding efforts of Little Sioux. We will be collecting monetary donations at the Great Rivers Council that will be put into a special fund to send to the Mid America Council to assist them in the rebuilding efforts of the camp. Some of these funds might also be used to help the Mid America Council in establishing a fitting memorial to those who lost their lives that night.



A great thing about the Boy Scouts of America is that there are no district or council lines when it comes to caring about our Scout family members. We all share some much in common with each other…a love of the program that provides so many great opportunities for the youth of our country.



I would like to invite you to join us in our efforts to rebuild Little Sioux Scout Ranch and remember 4 brave young men who lost their lives on June 11. You may send donations to the Great Rivers Council, 1203 Fay Street, Columbia Missouri 65201. Please note in the memo line on your check that your donation is for "Little Sioux Relief Fund."



I thank you in advance for your continued concern for the Scouts, and in particular your help with this effort. Together we can make a difference in the future for the Scouts who will once again camp at Little Sioux Scout Ranch.



Mike Dimond

Director of Field Operations

Great Rivers Council