In the wake of recent flash flooding in Texas, campgrounds in Nebraska are reassessing their severe weather preparedness, with Camp Sonshine among those reviewing safety protocols for campers and staff.
The discussion took place during a staff meeting at Camp Sonshine, located near Roca, as the team reflected on the impact of extreme weather events elsewhere in the country.
“We spent some time just praying for the families,” said Executive Director Jeff Keiser.
Keiser noted that while the camp has not experienced direct hits from severe storms in past years, its expansion plans have always prioritized safety infrastructure.
“We built the barn originally to be our indoor severe weather shelter, and as camp grew, the space became very tight. So, we decided to build an indoor gymnasium,” he said, as reported by NOW KOLN on July 7.
Camp Sonshine’s proactive approach to weather safety reflects a broader trend among Midwestern campgrounds that have increasingly prioritized storm readiness in their operations and facility designs.
The region has largely avoided deadly outcomes from storms at campgrounds in recent years. However, the 2008 tornado that killed four Boy Scouts at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Iowa remains a pivotal moment in the state’s approach to emergency preparedness.
In response, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency highlighted progress made since the record-setting floods of 2019.
“Since 2019, several hazard mitigation projects have been completed, in an effort to eliminate or minimize future flood risk for some areas,” the agency said.
The agency added that it has continued to review past disaster responses to identify gaps and improve coordination.
“We’ve also looked at what worked, what didn’t work, what we have, and what we need to be successful in future flood events,” the agency adds.
The approach of Nebraska’s campgrounds highlights the importance of proactive planning, infrastructure investment, and ongoing staff training by building dedicated storm shelters, regularly reviewing emergency protocols, and learning from past regional weather events to enhance preparedness.