Close call for boy, father when lightning strikes at Monroe Co. scout camp

MONROE COUNTY — A young Scout and his father had a close call with a lightning strike Friday morning when a storm moved through the area they are staying for camp.

A father who spoke with WRTV's Vic Ryckaert said they were walking by the tree when it was struck by lightning. He said his son, 11, was knocked onto his back and some of his leg hair was burned. Neither appeared to be seriously injured from the incident.

Ryckaert was also attending the camp as a volunteer with his son and was there when the brief storm occurred Friday morning.

The father and son went to be checked out a local clinic as a precaution.

Hundreds of scouts and adult volunteers are at Camp Ransburg near Bloomington as Scouts attempt to earn their badges, including the weather merit badge.

Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America marketing and communications director Brandon Kline issued the following statement to WRTV on Friday.

"On Friday, June 17, a tree was struck by lightening at Ransburg Scout Reservation outside of Bloomington, Indiana. A youth and his father attending camp were in proximity of the incident. As a precautionary measure, Camp Staff advised these two individuals to be evaluated at a local medical facility. We are happy to report medical personnel have cleared the father and son to return to activities at camp."