As for forcing every campsite to build shelters, this is a very, very rare occurrence. As a society, we have got to stop being such hand wringing pansies, so risk averse we don’t even let kids play on swings or play tag. It’s wussifying the entire human race needlessly. Employ rational actions against danger, but realize that it’s impossible to protect against everything in the world. It’s gotten to where we don’t send kids out to play unless they’re bundled up in airbags like the Michelin Man.

Now, that being said, I assure the camp director would have been awake the whole time, keeping aware of the weather, with staff members informing troop masters of the situation, and at the first sign of risks, such as a tornado or severe thunder, all scouts would be called into safe areas. However, the people in charge need to decide if its safer to leave them where they are, or risk them walking through the woods to get to the safe areas. In this case, the kids were brought in, and likely the scouts in the ditch were trying to get in, and they didn’t make it in time.

Storms like this happen quickly, and while I’m sure there will be an investigation, it will be more to see what can be learned from this situation rather then to try and point fingers.

However, I think the important thing to walk away with, is that these scouts did as they were taught to do. Despite all of the politics scouts have been involved with, whether it be gay rights, atheism, or various issues with international scouting, these kids were able to come together, use what they were taught, and helped one another, and saved people in the process. Agree or disagree with their politics, (and I tend to disagree more often then not) the scouts response to the crisis is what scouting is about, and I have never been more proud to be involved in the program.

Tragedy strikes, and nature can be dangerous, and these scouts proved themselves better able to deal with it than many adults (including about fifty percent of the adult population of New Orleans after Katrina.) You’re not going to legislate hazard out of existence, nor should you try.

So instead of trying to score cheap points about the villain du jour (first Bush sighting at the storm machine controls in 3…2…1…), how about you shut up if you’re unable to offer condolence or support? These scouts proved they have what it takes, and may God bless them and may He comfort the families who lost children.

I understand you ‘care’ and are probably a very well-meaning person.

There are 1,000’s of campgrounds public and private. Whether public or private the cost of building and then maintaining such bunkers would raise campground access fees, etc and WOULD NEVER guarantee that people don’t die ever again in their rush to the bunker, etc.

Campgrounds sprawl over many acres. People who aren’t fit visit campgrounds.

Additionally, mandating means government would have to make these laws and then someone would have to enforce and inspect these facilities.

I’m not trying to be mean Jennifer. I care also. I wish there were unicorns, utopia, no wars, no greed, etc….