Flood Plan for Camp Nakomis and Carter Lake
Dear Parents/Guardians of Carter Lake Members and Campers
Carter Lake Mayor Kramer has alerted the Carter Lake Community of the potential of flooding as a result of an increase in the underground water table; the Corps of Engineers is confident the levee system will hold. The Club is taking the potential threat of flooding very seriously. The Mayor’s alert has provided sufficient time for the Club to implement mitigation measures designed to ensure the safety of our members and provide safe, positive alternative opportunities for Club members, and to reduce property damage.
Effective June 6, 2011, as a preventative measure, Club and Camp activities will be moved to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands South Omaha Club, located at 5051 South 22nd Street.
Camp Nakomis bus pick-up points will remain the same; the buses will take the campers to the South Omaha Club. Staff have made changes to the program to ensure the campers will have a variety of fun activities, including access to the Club’s swimming pool (parent permission is required), and transportation to nearby lakes for fishing.
Parents’ of Club members and Campers will receive more information through email communication as well as via the BGCM’s website, www.bgcomaha.org. Parents can call Josh Towey, Carter Lake Unit Director at (712) 347.5687 for more information or BGCM’s Administrative Office at 402.342.1600.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the Carter Lake Club and Camp be closed?
This depends on the amount of water and extent of damage to the Clubs’ buildings and camp structures. Over the next several weeks we will continue to monitor the impact of the rise of the underground water table on the Club and Camp. This issue is projected to be with the community for several months potentially through September.
Can I receive a refund for Camp or Membership?
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands is committed to providing an alternative camp experience for our campers. Members will participate in programming at the South Omaha Club, a consistent and similar experience as the Carter Lake Club. Carter Lake staff members will provide programming at the South Omaha Club. An increase in the underground water table is an act-of-God situation beyond our control. Our plans put into place are designed to ensure members and campers have the opportunity to continue to participate in Club programming and activities.
Will there be transportation provided for Camp?
Yes, the pick-up points and drop-off points will be the same; First Student buses will be re-routed to take the campers to the South Omaha Club.
Will there be transportation provided for Club members?
Yes, a bus will be provided at the Carter Lake Club to transport Club members to the South Omaha Club at 10:00am and will return to the Carter Lake Club at 5:00pm each day. Transportation will be provided as long as safe access to the Club is possible.
Will there be any changes in Club and Camp programming or activities?
The large grassy space and pavilion at the South Omaha Club provides a perfect alternative space for camp.
Members and campers will have access to the Clubs indoor swimming pool; parent permission is needed as well as an assessment of your child’s swimming ability. Campers will be transported to nearby lakes to go fishing in the BGCM vans.
Boys & Girls Clubs’ programming is consistent between Clubs. Members may encounter minor differences in scheduling however; the variety of activities and programs offered will be consistent with the Carter Lake Club.
How will I know when the Carter Lake Club and Camp will reopen?
When Club officials give an all clear that it is safe to enter the Club and Camp, staff will assess the damage and necessary clear-up needed to reopen the facilities. A timeline will be developed and located on Boys & Girls Clubs’ website, www.bgcomaha.org. BGCM will provide weekly if not daily updates of the status of the Carter Lake Club and Camp.
Does Boys & Girls Clubs have a Flood Preparedness Plan?
Yes, the Clubs has a Flood Preparedness Plan that has 3 phases:
- Prevention/Mitigation Phase: We have moved programming to our South Omaha Club. We will also be moving equipment and furniture to another location to minimize the loss of the contents of the Club.
- Response Phases: Pre-Impact: If and when the National Weather Service or Corps of Engineers issues a flood warning the Club will take actions to minimize potential flood damage to the contents of the Club and Camp by moving equipment, furniture and supplies to other locations. Immediate Impact: The staff will take actions to control the situation, and minimize the effects of the disaster such as turning off gas, electricity and water valves to the Club and Camp. Staff will also manage hazardous chemicals located at the Club and camp such as automotive products, cleaners, solvents, fuels and pesticides that if released into floodwater would be harmful to humans, animals, sources of drinking water and the environment.
- Recovery: Re-entry into the Club and Camp: When Club officials give an all clear that it is safe to enter the Club and Camp, staff will assess the damage and necessary clear-up needed to reopen the facilities.
June 9th, 2011 at 11:34 am
[...] & Girls Clubs of the Midlands into damage prevention mode. As reported earlier in the week, Carter Lake Unit operations and Camp Nakomis have been moved to the South Omaha Unit for the remainder of the summer [...]