David Auker, the camp’s executive director, says he hopes to have the insurance settlement soon. Several people have discussed donations and discussions have begun with boating manufacturers, he adds. The camp also will be sending out a special funding appeal letter in the near future.
Auker said the camp will have to replace at least four of the eight boats that were destroyed in the fire. They were housed in a storage facility in Harvard, Illinois, about half an hour from the camp. Twenty-two fire companies worked eight hours to extinguish the blaze.
The boats were used for skiing and other water-related classes that already have been filled by campers who registered early for the 2007 season, says Auker. The classes are the most popular at the camp.
Among the boats destroyed were two Ski Nautiques, an American Skier, an Aquasport used for rescues, and a 24-foot pontoon boat, Auker says. The other three were older models.
No one was injured in the warehouse, which was not owned by the camp. Firefighters believe the blaze may have started in an electrical heater.
