One Utah summer camp evaluates disaster-preparedness amid wildfires and Texas tragedy

HEBER CITY, Utah (ABC4) — With natural disasters continuing to impact communities across the country, and after the devastating floods in Texas last month, affecting hundreds in the state, we turned to one summer camp to see how they prepare for disaster.

It was dinner time at Sunrock High Adventure Base Camp. 

On Friday night’s menu, campers cooked steak and fries on an open fire. Beyond the food, the camp is also cooking up something important with wildfire preparedness. 

“We know we’re in high fire danger right now, so we communicate that with all our guests, and we have moderate fires within certain pits to make sure we are not the ones creating danger,” Shad Stevens, camp director of Sunrock High Adventure Base, told ABC4.com.

You will find the Sunrock High Adventure Base Camp tucked away in the mountains, and it is more than just an outdoor adventure.

“It’s overcoming challenges and fears, growing and disconnecting. We don’t have service up here on purpose and are in a digital detox,” Stevens said.

There is no cell service, and over 80 acres of campgrounds and three lakes are located past Mirror Lake. 

Stevens said he will ring a bell when the camp is in danger. He has also mapped out four evacuation routes because of the lack of cell coverage. He said the camp relies on specialized technology.

“We have a Starlink where we can make internet calls with them at all times but if there happened to be outside of the range from here, we have a Starlink we have a satellite phone,” he said.

They also use Thor Guardian, a lightning detection system.

“Many of the fires that start happening due to lightning started, so that gives us an idea when we have an extra threat in the area that we can implement safety measures,” Stevens explained.

Although campfires are part of the experience, safety is the top priority at the camp.

“Every campfire has sometimes one, two, or three fire buckets that are full of water sitting next to every fire at all times,” Stevens said. 

Talmadge Stevenson has been camping for four days, and he said he knows what to do if a fire breaks out. 

“People underestimate how long fires burn, and just because you can’t always see it there’s usually burning deep down, even if it’s coals or embers and that could take hours, so water is just a quick way to put it out safely so you’re not sitting by the fire all night,” Stevenson said. 

For Stevens, the tragedy in Texas hits close to home and is a wake-up call to take action. 

“It’s such a tragedy when it comes to youth camps, we do this for one reason, the love of youth, and to hear that such a tragedy happened, it’s hard for all of us. We take those seriously and put things in place to protect our kids,” Stevens said.