Our foundation took its first breath when a tornado ripped through a boy scout camp in Western Iowa on June 11th 2008. Four boys died that day due to inadequate campsite-storm provisions. Many more children were injured as the facilities present were unable to protect against 150-200 miles an hour wind speeds of an F3 tornado. When the lives of our children were taken by that storm, our perspective was forever changed.
It is common knowledge in tornado alley that during severe weather, one needs to seek shelter in a basement or in any other FEMA-approved shelter. For a campsite located in this region of the country, it is critical that these establishments allocate resources to preserving the lives and safety of those they serve. If the Iowa campsite had been prepared with appropriate shelter and storm preparation, the boys at the campsite could have been saved.
In 2008, we started raising funds to build shelters at summer camps. We started with Boy scout camps but intend to help all summer camps in need. We started by asking those around us for help and watched as the first shelter went up. We realized we could not stop there. After years of trying to get the word out, 2013 marked the moment we became an official nonprofit 501 (3) c. Now we are able to dedicate more resources in our effort to improve existing campsites.
As parents of Ben Petrzilka, one of the children whose life was taken by the tornado, we live in remembrance every day of the tragedy at the campsite. Ben was only 13 years old. Everyday as his parents, we get up in the morning with out him. We breathe without him. His brother and friends go through their days with only memories of their time with him. Every night, there is an emptiness in our hearts as we go to sleep knowing that our son is gone and will not be back the next day.
As parents whom have suffered such a loss, we do not want another parent to ever have to feel the same pain that we feel. One would think we would oppose camping altogether, however, this is not true. Children should camp. They should sleep outdoors in tents beneath the stars. They should go on adventures, make new friends, tell campfire stories and eat s’mores while having fun learning independence and self-reliance.
A tragedy like this can be prevented through proper campsite preparation. Since we feel the camping experience is integral to the childhood experience, we are fighting to make the summer campsites safe. If as a nonprofit we are able to spare a single life with a shelter provided by our organization, then we have done our job.
Ben was among three other boys that lost their lives that day in June. Their legacy will live on in our hearts as well. We miss Sam Thomsen, Aaron Eilerts and Josh Fennen. Please visit the stories to learn more about these four wonderful children.
It is common knowledge in tornado alley that during severe weather, one needs to seek shelter in a basement or in any other FEMA-approved shelter. For a campsite located in this region of the country, it is critical that these establishments allocate resources to preserving the lives and safety of those they serve. If the Iowa campsite had been prepared with appropriate shelter and storm preparation, the boys at the campsite could have been saved.
In 2008, we started raising funds to build shelters at summer camps. We started with Boy scout camps but intend to help all summer camps in need. We started by asking those around us for help and watched as the first shelter went up. We realized we could not stop there. After years of trying to get the word out, 2013 marked the moment we became an official nonprofit 501 (3) c. Now we are able to dedicate more resources in our effort to improve existing campsites.
As parents of Ben Petrzilka, one of the children whose life was taken by the tornado, we live in remembrance every day of the tragedy at the campsite. Ben was only 13 years old. Everyday as his parents, we get up in the morning with out him. We breathe without him. His brother and friends go through their days with only memories of their time with him. Every night, there is an emptiness in our hearts as we go to sleep knowing that our son is gone and will not be back the next day.
As parents whom have suffered such a loss, we do not want another parent to ever have to feel the same pain that we feel. One would think we would oppose camping altogether, however, this is not true. Children should camp. They should sleep outdoors in tents beneath the stars. They should go on adventures, make new friends, tell campfire stories and eat s’mores while having fun learning independence and self-reliance.
A tragedy like this can be prevented through proper campsite preparation. Since we feel the camping experience is integral to the childhood experience, we are fighting to make the summer campsites safe. If as a nonprofit we are able to spare a single life with a shelter provided by our organization, then we have done our job.
Ben was among three other boys that lost their lives that day in June. Their legacy will live on in our hearts as well. We miss Sam Thomsen, Aaron Eilerts and Josh Fennen. Please visit the stories to learn more about these four wonderful children.