Camp back to normal after lightning hurts 3

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis summer camp was back on its normal schedule Sunday one day after a lightning strike injured three children, including one critically.

A message posted on the Facebook page of Goldman Union Camp Institute, a Reform Jewish summer camp, said the camp had resumed its normal schedule.

“Please know, the safety of your children is our highest priority,” said the message signed by camp director Rabbi Mark Covitz and also sent to the parents of campers.

Indianapolis police say one child was critically injured and two others were in stable condition after the lightning strike Saturday afternoon. All three were hospitalized at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Their medical conditions were not available Sunday.

The injured campers were a 12-year-old Loveland, Ohio, boy and two 9-year-olds — a Chesterfield, Mo., girl, and a Kentucky boy, possibly from Louisville, police said.

Police said several hundred children remained at the camp after the lightning strike.

The camp’s website said it is a Reform Jewish summer camp serving children in the Midwest entering grades three to 12. “GUCI is a place where children grow and mature into responsible, knowledgeable young Jewish adults,” the website says. The camp has operated since 1958.

A message was left with a camp staffer Sunday seeking additional information.

Carmen Siegel, who lives near the camp, told WRTV-TV the sky wasn’t even dark when one clap of thunder caused her to jump into the air.

“It’s tragic. I feel so sorry. There’s nothing you could prepare because the sky didn’t even get dark really,” Siegel said.

Police said the children were in a field when the lightning strike occurred about 1:40 p.m. Saturday. Camp Counselors had begun lifesaving efforts before medics arrived to treat and transport the children.