SHERILL, Iowa (AP) - Organizers of an eastern Iowa camp for special needs children are scrambling to prepare for next month’s opening after a fire damaged a main building and destroyed thousands of pounds of meat.
No one was injured in the Wednesday morning blaze at Camp Albrecht Acres, about a mile south of Sherill, the Telegraph Herald (https://bit.ly/1FapmiT ) reported. Officials have yet to determine what caused the fire.
“Everything in our basement is gone,” said Terry Mozena, president of the camp’s board of directors. “We had probably 2,000 pounds of meat, chicken and everything else that we’ve had in the freezer unit downstairs to get ready for camp.”
Camp Executive Director Eric Veltstra said he expects insurance will cover most of the damage. He anticipates crews will be working extra hours to help get the camp ready before children arrive June 14.
Veltstra will begin his first summer season as executive director after being hired in November. He said the camp’s programming will continue despite the challenge.
“They say baptism by fire, but that’s not what I had in mind,” he said.
Mozena said he’s confident that campers will have “the greatest summer they ever had, starting in early June, no matter what it takes.”
“We’re not turning our back to 1,000 children. So, we’re going to do whatever it takes to make that happen,” he said.
Veltstra said monetary donations to the camp can be made through its website. A list of items needed for donation also is posted on the site.
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Information from: Telegraph Herald, https://www.thonline.com
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