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."

-
Advocates turn the canal blue for Child Abuse Prevention Month
On Friday, dozens gathered to turn the downtown canal blue, all in an effort to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month.Marion County Prosecutor's Office launches blue envelope project
The initiative aims to give support to people on the autism spectrum when interacting with law enforcement.Making a difference one volunteer at a time: United Way's Go ALL IN Day
The annual volunteer event organized by United Way of Central Indiana saw over 1,000 volunteers come together to support more than 80 local nonprofits to make a lasting impact across the community.Silver Alert canceled for missing 3 and 1 year olds from Newburgh
Salas and Owens are missing from Newburgh, Indiana. They last seen on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 2:00 pm.