The staff at Camp Winnebago had quite an eventful weekend as it was the most water many of them had ever seen in their lives.
Photo by Daniel McGonigle
 

By Daniel McGonigle
Argus Managing Editor

A swift and efficient evacuation strategy was needed, and employed at Camp Winnebago this weekend as the low-lying campers saw their tents, some possessions and even bridges wash away in the camp ground.

“We set up shelter on the higher ground,” said Director Rande Gustafson. “We had water in every building and we’re trying to dry out.”

Much of the equipment at the campground was lost or damaged in the floods and the entire lower section of the park was awash with mud.

“Muddy,” described one volunteer of the devastation as she warned not to drive any further into the campsite.

“That’s the highest the water has been in 30 or 40 years,” reported Gustafson. Indicating that this year’s flood waters may have risen a bit higher than last years in his location.

Despite the rushing waters and the now less than serene setting with the campground covered in mud, Gustafson noted the spirits are high among the volunteers.

“For many of them this is the most water they’ve ever seen,” he said.

The staff of volunteers makes up 21 international members from 11 different countries. There are also many staffers from America as well.

“They all gave willingly,” said Gustafson. “They were great. They  helped campers with food and clothing. We set up cots right here (in the cafeteria) and provided shelter.”

Olmsted county will be sending five to eight Sentence to Serve individuals to help with clean up.

The Houston County STS might send an additional three individuals.

“We have to rebuild bridges things like that,” noted Gustafson.

The non-profit camp could use any donations anyone is able to give.

If you’d like to help with clean up or can help financially with the cost of rebuilding, you are encouraged to contact Gustafson at 724-2351.





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