The Scoutmaster’s Minute ~ June 2008

A Minute of Prayer and of Rejoicing

I have written many minutes as a Scoutmaster of over eight years. This is the first one that I write with a heavy heart. Although I heard of the event this morning, it was last night, Wednesday June 11, 2008 at about 6:45 pm when the storm hit. No warning as the grade F3 tornado hit Little Sioux Scout camp in Iowa.

As fast as it came, the storm leveled every building in camp and moved on. Left behind were nearly 100 Scouts and Scouters in shock, almost 50 injured. Tragically, 4 young Scouts lost their life in the minutes of terror. As Scouts are trained, and with only others in mind, the Scouts jumped into action to give first aid and help save the lives of their injured Brothers.

I ask that we all offer up prayers for the families of the fallen 4 and those who were at the camp. Join me in rejoicing at the way they all came to the aid of their fellows. I am very proud of these Scouts and it is my honor to be part of such a wonderful organization as the Boy Scouts of America.

May God bless and comfort these families, the Boy Scouts, and all of us in Troop 69.

Until next Time … Yours in Scouting.

John R. (Rusty) Helms
Scoutmaster, Troop 69

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