December Meeting Comments

Thanks to everyone who came out to the pack meeting last night!   Special thanks to our Pack Volunteer Committee (especially Debbie Bagley, Dona Whitney and Lynn Ray) for all their great effort in planning and putting on the meeting!

Obviously the December meeting was very different this year, and we'd like to hear your feedback.   Did your boys enjoy the astronomy?  Or did they miss the holiday party theme?

Please let us know.  I always appreciate feedback at brett.carlson@gmail.com, or you can contact your den leader.

Thanks everyone, and have a great holiday season!
--brett

Reminder that our pack meeting is TONIGHT at Copper Canyon!  We will start with flags and a skit at 7 pm.  

Please be in uniform, and don't forget your stuffed animal donations for kids at Scottsdale Healthcare Pediatrics.

Also, please come prepared for outdoor stargazing!   Right now the forecast for 7 pm is mostly clear skies and 45 degrees, so you will want a jacket or sweatshirt.

See you all tonight!

Pack 618,

    Below is a letter from the Pantry Manager of Saint Joan of Arc Conference of The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul thanking the Pack for the recent food drive donation.  As you can see, it was a sizable amount.  thank you to all of those who participated.

Hello Pack 618!

Reminder that our December pack meeting is 7 pm Thursday in the Copper Canyon Multipurpose Room.  Copper Canyon Elementary School is located at 17650 North 54th Street, here's a map.

This month we are collecting stuffed animals to donate to children receiving medical care at Scottsdale Healthcare.  If you can bring a NEW stuffed animal or two to give, it would be greatly appreciated.

Things to bring:

* Your son in class A uniform

* Stuffed animal donations 

* Warm clothes for outdoor stargazing (fingers crossed that the weather will cooperate!)

See you all on Thursday!

PS --> Don't forget to go to http://www.azpack618.com and register your email address in the upper right corner!  Future pack emails will be send via the webpage

Hey Pack 618,

First the good news:  Debbie Bagley was able to get the Millennium to offer the same room at the same price as last year for the Blue and Gold Dinner.   That's too good to turn down!

The bad news is that Sunday the 15th is already booked.  The only date that they can accommodate us is the following week, Sunday the 22nd.    

If anyone sees any major conflicts, please let Debbie ( debbiebagley@outlook.com ) or Brett Carlson brett.carlson@gmail.com  know right away. Otherwise we plan on booking the room and changing the Blue and Gold Dinner to February 22nd.

Many thanks to Debbie for her great work in setting this up!

December is still holiday month!

Hello Pack 618!

Several of you have asked about this year's December pack meeting so I thought I'd write a short blog post to let you know what we are thinking.

First and most importantly, there is absolutely no intent to remove the holiday theme from our December meeting.  A scout is reverent, and we are making every attempt to keep the holiday spirit in our December meeting.

That said, your feedback at the end of last year told us quite clearly that the December meeting needed an overhaul.  There was a lot of concern that the Halloween party and the holiday party were too similar, and that the older boys were getting tired of the same old same old.  So we really wanted to mix it up and keep it interesting for the boys.

And, on top of that, we had an opportunity to bring in a really great event with the planetarium. Those of you who have been to R-C know how great the astronomy folks are, and we really wanted to share that with the rest of our pack.

So, once again, there is no desire to take away the holiday party,  We just want to keep our meetings fun and interesting for all the boys.

As always, please don't hesitate to call or email if you have any comments, questions or concerns.

Thanks!
--brett

Hey Pack 618,

       Every year the younger scouts in our pack go caroling at the Freedom Inn (now Brookdale of North Scottsdale).  The residents really enjoy it, and I think the boys do to.  Although I can't be there this year, it's always one of my favorite things that we do.

Debbie Bagley is coordinating the caroling this year, and I know she's spoken with several of you.  if you do plan to participate, can you confirm with her and with me so we can get an idea of who's coming?  

It starts at 6 pm next Wednesday, December 10 on the NW corner of 64th Street & Greenway.  We ask all the boys to bring a dozen cookies, flowers or other treats to pass out to the residents.

Please let us know if you plan to participate..

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Rocket Launch yesterday!  Special thanks to Rocketmaster David Cramer and the launch crew, to Debbie Bagley and everyone on the pack volunteer committee who helped with lunch, to Scott MacPherson and Pete Leebrook who ran the soccer games, to all the dads who helped with rocket check-in, and to everyone else who helped with setup and tear-down.   Everything went really smoothly this year, and we greatly appreciate all of your outstanding effort!

We did find a baseball glove in the park afterward -- if it is yours, please let me know.

I'm very thankful for all of our great Scout families!  Wishing you all a happy, restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

--brett

Reminder that this Sunday is our annual Rocket Launch at Coyote Basin Park!   We'll start at with flags and lunch at noon, with rocket launching beginning shortly afterward.

We will have soccer games running throughout the day so all the boys can earn (and Webelos can re-earn) their soccer belt loops.

Coyote Basin Park is located at 2730 E Beardsley Road in Phoenix (here's a map).  Take the SR101 freeway to Cave Creek Road, then head south just past the Costco, then left on Beardsley to the park.  Plan to park in the southeast corner of the Costco lot and walk since there is very little parking in the park itself.   

The park has no restroom facilities.  We'll have a porta-john available, but the closest modern restroom is at Costco, so please plan accordingly.

Things to bring:  

(1) Your son in Class B (yellow t-shirt) uniform  (Phoenix Den should wear Class A uniforms for the flag ceremony, but can change afterward.)

(2) Your rocket!  (Be sure to give your rocket a name. We also suggest writing your Scout's name on the rocket so we can return it if it gets lost.)

(3)  Lawn chairs, blankets, etc. for your family. 

(4)  Sunscreen, hat, and water.  We'll have water with lunch, but you'll be in the full blast of the sun for the afternoon, and you'll probably want more.

(5)  Extra rocket engines if you want to do multiple launches.  The pack will provide one engine for each scout.  After everyone has had a chance to launch their rockets, we'll allow open launching to those who bring their own engines.   Model rocket engines are available at Hobby Lobby, Amazon, etc.  We use B6-4 engines, but if you can't find those, any other "A" or "B" type engine (A4-2, B4-2, B6-2, etc.) will work.   Engines larger than "B" size are illegal in Phoenix, and will not be allowed.   

See you all on Sunday!

Hello Pack 618!

Reminder that Rocket Launch is NOT this Sunday!  It is next Sunday, November 23.  

Flags and lunch will start at noon, with rocket launching starting soon thereafter.  We will start with Tigers and proceed in order through Wolves, Bears and Webelos, and we hope to have everything wrapped up no later than 3 pm.  We will also have beginner and advanced soccer games going throughout the day, and it should be a fun way to enjoy our great November weather

Hello Pack 618!

Reminder that our October Pack Meeting/Holiday Party is TONIGHT in the multipurpose room of Copper Canyon Elementary School.  We will start promptly at 7 pm, and we hope to be finished by 8:30.

Copper Canyon Elementary School is located at 17650 N 54th St,, here's a map. 

Things to bring:

* your whole family in costume

* non-perishable and non-breakable food donations for St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry (the pantry especially needs rice, spaghetti sauce and tuna right now, but they will gladly accept any food that you can spare.  PLEASE NO GLASS!)

See you all tonight!

Hello Pack 618, 

Reminder that the Hoey Haunted House is tonight!   Cost of admission is one food item per person per trip through the house.  5202 E. Danbury Road, here's a map.

Please be sure than any food donations are non-perishable and non-breakable! 

You can arrive any time between 7 and 8:30.  Hope to see you there!

Hello Pack 618!

Our pack has always placed a high value on community service, and next week we have two opportunities to help those in need (and have a whole lot of fun!).

Wednesday Night, anytime between 7-8:30 pm:  The Hoey Family is hosting a haunted house at their home (5202 E. Danbury Road, here's a map).  Admission cost is one food item (non-perishable and non-breakable, please) per person to donate to the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry.  A flier is attached; please come out and support this great event!

Thursday Night, 7-8:30 pm is our regular October pack meeting and Halloween Party.  We'll be meeting in the cafeteria of Copper Canyon Elementary School, here's a map.  Everybody (and I mean EVERYBODY!) should be in costume. We'll also be accepting food donations at our pack meeting, so please bring any food items that you can spare.

I'm told that the pantry is in particular need of rice, spaghetti sauce, and tuna right now, but all types of food are gratefully accepted.  All food donations should be non-perishable and non-breakable!   That means boxes, bags, cans or plastic bottles, but please NO GLASS!    

Special thanks to the Hoey family for hosting the haunted house, and to Amanda Cramer for coordinating the food drive!

Hi All,

Just a reminder that the pack will be awarding the Bobcat award on Monday night, October 27th at 7:30 PM at Paradise Valley Community Center, 17402 N. 40th Street.  We will be in room B28, the Tigers are having their den meeting from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM and we will start the Bobcat award at 7:30 PM.

All scouts receiving their Bobcat award and their families are invited to come out and receive their awards.  All committee members are invited to recognize our newest pack members on Monday night.  

Hello Pack 618,

Reminder that tonight is McScout night.    This is the only fundraiser before the end of the year, so please come out and support our pack.  It runs from 4 to 7 pm at the McDonalds on Tatum & Bell.

We still need volunteers, especially between 6 and 7 pm.  If you can help us out, please sign up here (or just show up in uniform and pitch in!).

Even if you can't stay to help, though, please still come out and support us.  The pack makes 15% of all sales made between 4 and 7 pm, including all sales at  the drive-thru.  So come for dinner, or treat yourself to a Gatorade or ice cream after your other events are over -- it's important that our pack makes a good showing.

Thanks everyone, see you in a few hours!

--brett

PS --> A couple of you have asked why we still need McScout Night after the dues increase.   The short answer is that the dues increase covered increased costs from BSA, increased costs to rent the CCES cafeteria, and increased costs for a complete overhaul of our December pack meeting (which, by the way, is going to be AWESOME!).   Last year we raised almost a thousand dollars from McScout night, and the pack does count on that income for capital improvements such as new safety equipment, a new pinewood derby starter, etc. etc.  For the amount we raise versus the amount of time involved, nothing else comes close.  As always, we appreciate your support!

PACK 618 Families-

Tomorrow is our Mc Scout Night fundraiser from 4-7pm, at the McDonalds on Tatum and Bell Rd. Thanks to all those that signed up, and are planning to attend! I show 19 Scouts signed up- I hope to see even more sign up today! We ask that each Den be represented with both leadership and Scouts attending are in Class 'A', and come ready to help! Again we receive 15% for ALL sales during 4-7pm, so please encourage family and friends to join us! Below is the original email, and sign up details. 

Please save the date- Tuesday October 14th, and plan to attend the our first and only McScout night fundraiser of the 2014/15 scout year. Why fundraise at McDonalds?

• They provide not only 15% back to the PACK for the sales from the people we bring in BUT we earn money on all of the sales during the 3 hour time slot! 
• The Scouts get to give back, by volunteering their time to help raise money. A Scout is thrifty!
• Our PACK does need the money. The PACK rents the cafeteria at Copper Canyon several times a year, and provides supplies needed to the scouts (rockets, derby cars, etc…) Managing dues is always a consideration and this event helps keep the dues to a minimum. 
• Like it or love it McDonalds is a family friendly venue that supports our community. 

The slots are in 30 minutes increments, to accommodate everyones busy schedule! If you can spend more than 30 minutes, please do! Please plan to bring your scout in the Class A Uniform (shirts tucked in, ready to represent), and ready to help! If you have more than one scout in the PACK, schedule them all in the same time slot.

To sign up, go to:

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0E4CACAB292-mcscout/

DO email your friends and family to come by McDonalds from 4-7pm on Tuesday the 12th to help PACK 618 raise money! 

First time doing this, email Tim or Dona with ?s at timdona68@gmail.com! We will be there the whole time. Thanks for your support! 

Dona and Tim Whitney

602 403 3746

PACK 618 Families-

Please save the date- Tuesday October 14th, and plan to attend the our first and only McScout night fundraiser of the 2014/15 scout year. Why fundraise at McDonalds?

• They provide not only 15% back to the PACK for the sales from the people we bring in BUT we earn money on all of the sales during the 3 hour time slot! 
• The Scouts get to give back, by volunteering their time to help raise money. A Scout is thrifty!
• Our PACK does need the money. The PACK rents the cafeteria at Copper Canyon several times a year, and provides supplies needed to the scouts (rockets, derby cars, etc…) Managing dues is always a consideration and this event helps keep the dues to a minimum. 
• Like it or love it McDonalds is a family friendly venue that supports our community. 

The slots are in 30 minutes increments, to accommodate everyones busy schedule! If you can spend more than 30 minutes, please do! Please plan to bring your scout in the Class A Uniform (shirts tucked in, ready to represent), and ready to help! If you have more than one scout in the PACK, schedule them all in the same time slot.

To sign up, go to:

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0E4CACAB292-mcscout/

DO email your friends and family to come by McDonalds from 4-7pm on Tuesday the 12th to help PACK 618 raise money! 

First time doing this, email Tim or Dona with ?s at timdona68@gmail.com! Thanks for your support! 

Dona and Tim Whitney

602 403 3746

Update of Upcoming Events

October 14th - McScout Night - Location is the McDonalds at Tatum and Bell - More info to follow including a Sign-Up site

October 30th - Halloween Pack Meeting - Location is Copper Canyon School

November 23rd - *******ATTENTION******* This is a date change!!!!!!  Location is at Coyote Basin Park on Beardsley Rd - More info to follow including start time.

Another great Pack 618 event last night.

I thought everyone had an awesome time playing kickball and dancing. We sent a very nice warm welcome to our new Scouts and their families and showed them this is how Pack 618 rolls!

Thank you to everyone who helped to make it a huge success. This is what makes Pack 618 so special to be a part of as everyone just dives in to help out.

However, I can't stop thinking about Brett in that pink underwear (I just threw up in my mouth). I can't wait to see that picture on the Pack 618 website.

Finally, special thanks to Amanda Cramer (aka. French Fry) who made the night one for the memory books.

Thanks.

Rich...

Hello Pack 618,

For Tiger, Wolf and Bear scouts (but NOT Webelos!) who are interested in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM), our District is sponsoring a special activity on September 27 from 1-4 pm.   Courses will be taught by Boy Scouts who are currently attending the CREST academy.  There is a $10 fee, and the link for registration and more information is here.

This is a district event, so it is entirely optional, but boys who do attend will earn a belt loop of their choosing and the first portion of the NOVA award.

I've been asked to help with the music belt loop so I'll be attending on the 27th, but I don't know much more about the event at this time.   Please address any questions todtcweberg@aol.com.

Thanks,

--brett

If you have not yet registered your meal preference for tomorrow's kickball meeting, please do so now. You can do so by clicking here.

Pack meeting starts with flags at 6 pm.   Webelos can eat dinner and play minigolf during the Tiger/Wolf/Bear game.  Tigers/wolves/bears can eat before the meeting or after their game.  

Tigers, Wolves and Webelos1 wear yellow pack shirts, Bears and Phoenix wear white shirts so we can tell the teams apart.  New scouts will receive their shirts at the meeting, and we will have additional shirts (including adult sizes) for sale.

Everybody plays (even parents!), so be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Casey's Sportsworld is on the southwest corner of 40th Street and Union Hills.  Here's a map.

See you all tomorrow!

Hey Den Leaders,

If you have any scouts who are new to our pack, please let Rich, Scott or Brett know so we can have t-shirts ready for them at kickball.

Also, please be sure that new scouts are receiving emails from Brett.  We had a lot of folks contact us once and then disappear this year, so I'm not sure who has actually showed up and who hasn't, and it's possible that his list is incomplete.

Thanks,

Hello Pack 618,

Reminder that our September Pack Meeting and kickball tournament is this Friday, September 12, at Casey's Sports World near Union Hills and 40th Street.  There is more information on our website.

If you plan to eat dinner at the meeting, please sign up for a hot dog or pizza meal so we can get an accurate count for food.  Both meals come with chips and a drink for $5. Please select your meal preference here.

Dress code:  

* Tigers, Wolves and Webelos I wear yellow pack shirts (Tigers and new scouts will receive their new shirts that night)

* Bears and Webelos II wear white t-shirts of some sort (so we can tell the teams apart).   

* Remember to wear appropriate footwear! (Parents too

Hey everyone,

Our district is sponsoring Basic Adult Leader Outdoor (BALOO) training on September 27th.   If you want to camp as a den, at least one person attending must have completed this class.

See more information below.

Greetings Cub Leaders,

We are excited to announce that we will be holding a Four Peaks District BALOO Training coming up on Saturday Sept. 27^th at the LDS Larkspur Building in Scottsdale.

Please remember, in order to go camping, at least one leader must be in attendance with being BALOO Trained.

Please see the link below.

http://www.grandcanyonbsa.org/event/1602865

Steve

Steve Pomerantz  |  Four Peaks Sr. District Executive
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICAGrand Canyon Council

2969 North Greenfield Road
Phoenix, AZ   85016-7715

Hey Den Leaders,

If you have any new scouts that were not with our pack last year, we need to be sure that we have signed registration forms.  Several have sent them, but several have not, and we suspect many of you have new den members that we haven't heard from.

The form is attached.  Please have a parent sign and email back to Brett Carlson (brett.carlson@gmail.com).  We do not need the original.

Scouts who were with our pack last year do NOT need to re-register

Den Leaders, 

Signup for Baden Powell University (formerly Pow Wow) on November 15 is now open.   See additional information about courses and registration in the link below.

This is a great opportunity to sharpen your scout leader skills.  You will get tons of ideas for games, skits, outings, advancement, etc etc etc.   

And it's required if you want to earn your leader knot.

I'm sure we'll have a group that will carpool.   It's always a fun experience, and you'll learn a lot as well.

Greetings! Are you a brand new leader who needs help with the basics? An experienced Scouter who wants to hone specific skills?  Baden-Powell University is Grand Canyon Council's premier Scout leader supplemental training. It is a day of classes for Cub Scout to Venturing leaders. There are many specialized classes for every individual Scouting position, even committees. Baden-Powell University combines the best of Pow Wow and University of Scouting into one exciting event located at Gilbert High School. Register online at http://www.grandcanyonbsa.org/event/1587415. Every class is open to any participant, so this is a wonderful opportunity to increase your knowledge on any Scouting topic. We look forward to seeing you there, on November 15th! Every boy deserves a trained leader and every leader deserves training opportunities like this! Baden-Powell University Staff

                                                 ATTENTION NEW SCOUTS

The new Cub Scout Overnighter is open for registration.  This is a great introduction to Scouts for all new scouts, families and leaders.  Please follow the link below for more details

http://www.grandcanyonbsa.org/event/1556568

Here's the map for R-C

Hello Family Campers!   I know this is long, but it has a lot of important information so please read.  Let me know if you have any questions at all.  You can call or text me at 480.241.8219 if you need to reach me en route.

Directions:  Camp R-C is just over two hours away on Highway 260 east of Payson, near mile marker 271.5.   It's about 2 miles past Camp Tontozona on the right hand side of the road.  Last time I was there, construction forced all traffic into the westbound lane just before the turn.  It's pretty well marked even during construction, so just watch for the signs.  The camp is on the south (right hand) side of the road.   Proceed down the gravel road to sites 7 & 8, as noted below, and check in as soon as you arrive.  If you get to the "Christopher Creek Loop" turnoff, you went too far.  See the attached map for more information. Watch out for photo radar as you pass through Star Valley unless you want to spend a Saturday in traffic school.

You can arrive any time after noon on Friday.  I plan to pull my boys from school at lunchtime, which will put us into camp around 2 pm. Lots of you are arriving later on Friday, or on Saturday.  We are technically supposed to be out of camp by noon on Sunday but Ranger Larry usually lets people stay later if they want to.

Weather:  Right now the forecast for Kohl's Ranch (just a few miles away) is for highs around 90, lows around 60 and a good chance of thunderstorms.  Plan for the weather, and for the mud that will inevitably follow a good storm (i.e., shoes that can get muddy, tarp or mat for outside the tent, extra garbage bags to keep bedding dry, towels, etc.).  If you are unsure of what to pack, please don't hesitate to email me!

Campsites:  Our pack will be in the Cougar (#7) and Javelina (#8) sites, which are adjoining and are very close to the creek.  Many of us camped there in June and I think it's the best location in the camp.  If those sites are filling up, you can use the Arts and Crafts area or the Bear (#9) site as overflow.   We have a large group of Boy Scouts from Troop 616 joining us on Saturday, they will be camping in the Lion (#10) site.  See the attached map.

Camp terrain is rugged, and we will be camping at the bottom of a hill near the creek.   Please bring appropriate footwear for you and your son, and get ready to do some cardio!

It is likely that there will be bugs.   Please bring repellent.

Geocache:  ***We are creating a pack geocache on Saturday's hike, so every boy should bring a small trinket to place in the cache.   Items should be small and not be food or candy so they don't attract critters.  Good items in the past have included coins (especially foreign or unusual coins), small toys (dominoes, dice, Pokemon cards, etc.) or other items of interest to young boys. 

Uniforms are not required for this trip.  If you have a yellow Class B shirt, please wear it on Saturday.  If you don't have your yellow pack shirt yet, just wear yellow/gold (Go Devils!) or any other bright color.  Brightly colored clothing is highly recommended for the entire trip so you can see the boys in the forest!

Fire restrictions in the national forest have been lifted, so we can have campfires in the sites.  Be sure to practice good fire safety (fires in established firepits, water readily available, do not leave warm coals unattended).  We can forage for wood but we can't use power tools to cut it, so I usually bring a bundle or two of firewood with me.  Please watch the boys around fires:  "What goes in the fire, stays in the fire."

Stuff to Bring:  I am attaching a camping list that was compiled by a former cubmaster.  You do not need to bring every item on this list, it's just intended as a checklist to help you remember stuff that you don't want to forget. 

Stuff Not to Bring:  BSA rules prohibit RVs, pets, alcohol, and projectile launchers of any kind (firearms, airsoft, archery, BB guns, slingshots, etc) on BSA property. Those caught with contraband may be asked to leave the property.  

Electronics: This is a really good opportunity to interact with your friends and family away from video games, text messages and other distractions.  Boys should leave all electronics in the car. Mobile phone service is improving over past years, but it's still not great, especially in our low campsites, so plan to be off grid for the weekend.  Nothing ruins a campout faster than a bunch of people texting, Facebooking, web surfing, etc. So if you really must text your cousin or check the news from Kiev, please do so discretely. 

Cost:  The cost for camping is $30 per family.  That includes Saturday night dinner.  Please plan to pay when you check in.

It is very important that everybody checks in immediately upon arrival (even if you arrive late), and that everybody attends the safety briefing.  More information on checkin and safety will be forthcoming.

Fishing:

***Note that the rules have changed in 2014, and everyone ten and older now needs a fishing license, even for catching crawfish!  I’ve never seen a game warden in camp, but the fine is steep if you get caught  breaking the law, so I wouldn’t risk it.  Kids 9 and under do not need a license.   You  no longer need to purchase a separate trout stamp or multi-pole stamp.

You can get a license online here, or at any sporting goods store.  If you forget a license, you can get one at Walmart in Fountain Hills or Payson en route to camp. Youth licenses are only $5, adult licenses are $37. All licenses now last for a full 12 months, and they include trout, urban fishing and multi-pole privileges, so it's a pretty good deal.

Don't forget a fishing pole! One of the most popular free-time activities is crawfish catching. A simple stick or pole (we used a piece of PVC one year) with 5-8 feet of fishing line and a hook will work, or you can use a regular fishing pole. I just tie a swivel leader to the end of the line and then use a small trident hook for holding the bait.

More important than the pole, though, is a net with a long handle (maybe 3 feet long) and a fine mesh that doesn’t allow the crawdads to slip through. Think butterfly net (or pool skimmer!) rather than a traditional fish net. Once the crawfish grabs the bait, you can hoist them out of the water and catch them in the net; most times the bait will still be on your hook.

The best bait I saw last year was bacon, but crawfish aren't fussy; anything greasy will work.  I usually bring a bag of Old Wisconsin Jerky Bites to use as bait. If you happen to have a crawfish trap, you can use it at family camping. Christian Bagley and I will be cooking up a batch of crawfish for dinner on Saturday, so if you have LIVE crawfish on Saturday afternoon, please bring them to us!

There is also a fishing pond with bass and sunfish. We need to share the pond with other scouts, though, so please practice catch and release, and only catch fish with bait. No snagging! It was too dry for trout in the creek this past summer, but hopefully the recent rains will have the water level back up again.  If you want to catch trout, I recommend getting up early before the kids start tromping through the creek looking for crawdads.  In the past, we've caught trout on #8 hooks with salmon eggs or Powerbait.

One more thing -- I've just been told that there is water (including modern rest rooms and hot showers) in the main part of the camp, but the water is off in the campsites.   So be sure to bring plenty of water for washing, drinking, brushing teeth, etc., or bring a larger container to carry water from the mess hall back to camp.

Shelter / Bedding __Tent __Sleeping bag __Ground cloth/tarp __Sheets/blankets __Extra stakes __Pillow __Shade tarp/poles/rope/stakes __Air mattress/sleeping pad/cot/tarp __Axe or hammer __Air pump __Mat for tent entrance __Repair kit for air mattress __Dust pan/brush __Utility bags for storage __Portable Table(s) Cooking __Large water jug & water bucket __Potholders/oven mitts __Coolers/ice __Pots and frying pans with lids __Thermos __Soap for outside of pots and pans __Stove with fuel/propane __Cook utensils-spatula, knife, spoon __Matches/lighter __Tongs __Charcoal/firewood/buddy burner __Skewers/grill forks __Dutch oven/tin can stove/box oven/etc __Can opener/bottle opener __Campfire grill/BBQ grill __Folding table __Fire starters/newspaper __Dutch oven __Tablecloth/thumb tacks/clips __Pie irons __Plates & bowls/paper plates & bowls __Mugs/paper cups __Silverware/plastic silverware __Mixing bowl __Measuring cups __Cutting board __Heavy-duty aluminum foil __Ziplock bags __Paper towels __Napkins __Trash bags __Dish pan __Dish soap __Dish rags/towels __Clothes pins __Scrub pad/brillo __Cooking oil/Pam spray __Seasonings/sugar/condiments __Containers for food storage __Potato peeler Clothes / Personal __Shoes/boots __Shower shoes/flip flops __Jeans/pant/belt __Towels/washcloth __Shorts __Soap in plastic case/shampoo __T-shirts __Tooth brush/tooth paste __Socks/extra socks __ Deodorant __Hat __Comb/brush __Bandana __Razor __Sweatshirt/jacket __Feminine products __Underwear __Toilet paper __Sleep clothes __Shower bag or 5 gallon bucket __Rain gear __Camping shower/shower pump __Swim suit/towel __Other personal items __Laundry bag __Personal medications--take extra Miscellaneous __Sunscreen/chapstick __Flashlight/batteries __Lantern with fuel/mantles __Pocket knife __Extra batteries/bulbs __Plastic grocery bags __Compass __Binoculars __Bug repellant/candles __Rope/clothes line __Whistle __Canteen/water bottle/coffee pot __Water filters/purification/treatment __Bungi cords/straps __Camera/battery/film/video (see photo jigsaw puzzles) __Cards/games/toys/golf __Books/magazines (a Kindle would be better) __Duct tape/electrical tape __Candles __Notepad/pen __Maps/directions __Reservations info./confirmation __Cell phone/charger & 2-way radios/walkie talkies __Misc. tools __Backpack/fanny pack __Small shovel __Fishing gear/license/bait __Safety pins __Radio __Money/ID/credit card/quarters __Musical instruments/song books __Bikes/helmets __Camp chairs __Travel alarm clock __Sunglasses __Work gloves __Hammock __Umbrella __First aid kit __Hand wipes __Tissues __Drinks/snacks __Saw/axe __Small sewing kit __Park map/guidebooks/trail maps __Fire extinguisher __Lantern pole or hanger __Hot chocolate/tea bags/coffee __Collapsible drying rack __Scissors __Popcorn __Watch __Marshmallows, Graham crackers, Hershey bars (Smores) __Tell someone of your plans - give details of where you are going and when   you expect to return, give directions and possible alternative roads that you may take, provide cell phone numbers, vehicle description and license plate numbers, hand-held radio channel and codes that you will use, and provide local authority phone numbers (State Police, Game & Fish Commission, Sheriff Dept, etc.) for the county or area that you will be in. Basic First Aid **The following list is only a suggestion of some of the supplies you should consider for your first aid kit. You should personalize your kit to meet your needs, activities and situations. The key to a good first aid kit is its usability. What supplies to include and how much of each item should be based upon your individual needs. __Personal medications __Triangular bandages __Roll bandages __Misc. Band Aides/bandages __Adhesive tape __Anti-acids (Tums, Rolaides) __Antiseptic wipes __Antibiotic cream __Sterile gauze pads __Aspirin/Ibuprofen/Tylenol/Naproxin __Cotton swabs __Hydrogen Peroxide __Tweezers __Ace bandages __Safety pins __Sunburn lotion __Scissors __Burn ointment __Bee sting kit __Snake bit kit __Sinus medications __Eye drops __Tissues __Poison ivy cream/cleansers __Bug repellant __Heat/cold packs __Sunscreen __Small flashlight __Notepad/pen __Latex gloves __Sterile compresses __Antibacterial soap __Splinting materials __Thermometer __Personal information/contact person __Coins for emergency phone calls __Feminine products __Antibiotic soap __Ipecac __Butterfly bandages __Razor blades __Twine __Plastic bags __Mole skin for blisters __Small bottle of water __Road flares __Blanket __First aid manual __Other personal needs __Nail clippers __Small mirror *Take a First Aid class and a CPR class -- keep current on this information *Keep supplies in a well marked, durable, waterproof container *Keep the contents organized *Know how to use everything in your first aid kit *Inspect content often, re-supply as needed *Keep readily available at all times

Again, let me know if there are any questions!

--brett