The Boy Scouts at Camp Loud Thunder recently received an XUV Gator and a 997 Zero Turn Mower – compliments of John Deere and Elder Implement Co. “It’s like Christmas – we were beside ourselves,” Jim Shaapveld, Program Director for the Boy Scouts IlIowa Council said, “You either get things like this donated or you go without – you don’t see new equipment often let alone two new pieces.”

Camp Loud Thunder, east of Muscatine, extends over 260 acres – a combination of woodland, park, water and trail areas – and uses only John Deere Equipment to manage its land.

“These two pieces will help us for years and years,” Schaapveld said. “They go right in the shed – we take care of our equipment – they won’t stay outside.”

The generous donation from John Deere was a complete, but much needed, surprise and being able to work with Elder Implement Co, according to Schaapveld, was an extra-added bonus.

“I told John [Jenkins], working with Elder was a big part of the deal,” Schaapveld said, “We get along well with parts and service – they take care of us and we’re happy it worked out this way.”