Summer Camp Temporarily Closes After Lightning Strikes Dining Hall

Lightning Strike Causes Power Outage at Camp ASCCA Dining Hall

The generators are rolling in at Camp ASCCA after lightning struck the campground, knocking the power out inside the dining hall. Camp ASCCA serves people 6 years and older who have intellectual and physical disabilities.

Dana Rickman, the director of development at Camp ASCCA, stated they followed their plan Sunday when a lightning bolt hit a poplar tree behind the dining hall. She believes the current traveled underground, sparking a fire inside the breaker box.

The fire happened while campers and their families were checking in. “We had two kitchen workers in the building, and we had some families doing part of the check-in in the dining hall, but they are okay, a little shaken up, but everybody was okay,” Rickman said.

Immediate Response and Safety Measures

“Since we do have thunderstorms in the summer, planning for impact from storms like lightning is something we’re always aware of. We’re always prepared for,” Rickman emphasized regarding their safety protocols.

This incident marks the second time this week lightning struck in close range of people in the wider area, following a boat fire on Logan Martin Lake which injured three people, with another in the intensive care unit.

Fortunately, no one was hurt at Camp ASCCA. However, camp officials anticipate it will take about a month to restore power in the dining hall.

Recovery Efforts and Community Support

Rickman confirmed that they have successfully raised over $80,000 from donations to assist with the recovery efforts. Furthermore, a disaster response team has generously offered their mobile kitchen for four weeks, ensuring camp leaders can feed the new campers arriving next week.

“We hoped for a week or two and then we met with them yesterday and it’s been a Godsend,” Rickman added, expressing gratitude for the timely support.