[(JD)]

A tornado hit Little Sioux Scout Ranch in IA. Four boy scouts have died, and another 42 or so are injured.

"We were sitting there watching lightning ... and we saw [the tornado] come around the end of a bluff toward the entrance of the camp," Logsdon said. "So we flipped on the siren, and the youth staff members ran to the assigned shelters."

The adult leader ordered everyone to get under the tables.

"All of a sudden, two seconds later, the tornado was on top of us," Logsdon said. "I know it picked up our adult leader's car and threw it 50 yards, easy."

Camper Ben Karschner said it was over quickly.

"Eight seconds, and the tornado passed. That was like the longest eight seconds I've ever had," he told CNN affiliate KETV in Omaha.

Thomas White, an 18-year-old Eagle Scout and staff member, said he lay on the ground with several of the younger Scouts as the tornado roared through.

"The grace of God helped us for sure," he said.

[b]Please pray for all of these families, plus Scouts around our country as this affects all of us. Thanks.

[bebop]

they are showing it on the news right now. so so sad.

[EJ711]

What an amazing group of fine young men!

Talk about scout safety!

EJ

[(JD)]

National Headquarters
Boy Scouts of America

Robert J. Mazzuca
Chief Scout Executive
June 12, 2008
To our Scouting family:
Last night, we were all shocked and saddened by the news coming out of Western Iowa. The tornado that ripped through our Little Sioux Scout Ranch left a terrible wake of destruction in its path. We mourn the lives lost and injuries suffered as a result of the storm. And we extend our deepest sympathies and concern to the families of those who were affected.
BSA President John Gottschalk and I have pledged the full support of the National Council to assist in any way.

Particularly during this period of front-line response, most of the effort is being managed by the outstanding Mid-America Council. We are grateful for Lloyd Roitstein and his staff, who have shown remarkable leadership during this very challenging time. The local council has placed a very high priority on tending to the needs of the impacted families. We continue to remain in close contact and are helping to coordinate communication across the local council network. The National Council is prepared to engage further at any time.

Understandably, we are receiving many calls from all across the country from staff, volunteers, Scouts, and families who want to be supportive. Thank you, everyone, for this outpouring of support. We have put into place a process for properly channeling offers of financial assistance for the impacted families, as well as interest in volunteering time to the effort. Please forward contact information and offers of support to our emergency response e-mail at oomcd@netbsa.org. Right now, we need to give emergency responders and the local council time to attend to the task at hand. Very soon, the effort will turn to rebuilding and reconstructing. Upon the determination of exact needs, we will follow up with you.

Again, we are deeply saddened by this tragedy. At the same time, however, we are moved by and proud of the way in which our Scouts, leaders, and the local council have responded. There is no question that this terrible situation would have been worse if it were not for the heroic efforts of the young men who were on the ground when the tornado hit. They epitomize what is so very special about being a Scout.
Please join me in keeping all of those affected in our thoughts and prayers. God bless our Scouts.

Yours in Scouting,
Robert J. Mazzuca
Chief Scout Executive

[nowheretorun]

praying for these boys familes, friends, all affected... may they find strength from those now in their presence and may they find Spirit to live and breathe with peace, fortune and fortitude for all days ahead