MILLERSBURG, Ohio — Skyview Ranch, which is a Christian camp on Township Road 319 in Millersburg, says access to the property has been cut off due to damage left behind by the overnight storms that slammed portions of Northeast Ohio.
“We are thanking God for His protection,” the Holmes County camp wrote on Facebook. “No one was injured. We have many trees down. Some of our staff homes were hit by fallen trees. Several cars on camp were crushed beneath fallen trees. Because of the wise and timely response from our ministry team, our campers were all safe and well cared for throughout the storm. Thanks for your patience with us while we get things cleaned up.”
Camp officials said they are planning to suspend this week's camps once they are safely able to allow parents to reunite with their children. They also shared dozens of photos of the storm's aftermath in the following post:
That's just one of many updates that camp officials have shared throughout the morning to keep parents notified of the developing situation.
“Many have so graciously reached out offering help,” the camp posted on Facebook around 7:15 a.m. “While we greatly appreciate it, we must ask that everyone wait. Our community was hit hard and there are roads closed everywhere. We are waiting for word on when anyone might be able to access camp. At this point there is no way in or out of camp by vehicle.”
They said work is underway to clear access to the camp. The Holmes County Sheriff, meanwhile, also issued a Level 3 travel advisory -- which means no travel is permitted on the roads other than emergency personnel.
“The sheriff’s department knows our situation and is working on getting emergency crews dispatched to our area in order to clear the main access roads to camp,” Skyview Ranch continued on Facebook.
Their plan is to continue with “normal camp activities” today.
"Our campers are doing great!" the camp posted at 9:47 a.m. "We had breakfast this morning and an awesome chapel service."
The camp said they have also been calling parents to notify them of the current situation.
“If parents need to reach us, please call 330-231-8231 if an emergency. We will answer as many calls as we can.”
Once access is established at the camp, it’s expected campers will be sent home if power hasn’t been restored.