AZ Pack 618

Hello family campers!  The following information is important, please read carefully!

SAFETY:  It is the parents responsibility to know the whereabouts of your child at all times, and to instruct your child in safe behavior in the forest.  THE FOREST IS VERY DENSE, AND KIDS HAVE GOTTEN LOST IN THE PAST.   It is terrifying for everyone when this happens, so please, PLEASE ensure that all scouts and siblings abide by the following rules:

            (1) Use the buddy system at all times.  Nobody should ever be out of camp alone.

            (2) Wear a whistle AT ALL TIMES.

            (3) If you get lost, JUST STOP, sit down, and blow the whistle.   Help will be on the way.  DO NOT TRY TO FIND YOUR WAY BACK OR YOU WILL MAKE IT WORSE!

            (4) If you hear a loud air horn, return to camp IMMEDIATELY!

            (5) ALL whistle blowing will be interpreted as a call for help.  If you do not need help, do not blow the whistle.  Adults, please promptly assist any child that is blowing a whistle.

I would strongly recommend dressing your kids in their yellow pack shirts on Saturday, and in bright clothing at all other times so you can see them in the forest.   Uniforms are not required for this trip.

Many of you received whistles and lanyards at fall camping.  If you have a whistle, please bring it.  We have a few extras, so if you need one, please contact Mark Blair as soon as you arrive.  ALL scouts and siblings must wear a whistle at all times, no exceptions!  (It's not a bad idea for adults, either...I carry one myself just in case.)

Weather this year is forecast to be slightly warmer than in years past.  Right now it looks like lows around 45 and highs in the 70s.  Please dress warmly, especially at night!   If your sleeping bag has Spongebob, Iron Man or Larry Fitzgerald on it, it may be an awesome bag but it will not keep you warm enough on this trip!

Be sure to check the forecast before you leave:  http://www.findlocalweather.com/pinpoint/us/az/woods+canyon+lake+recreation+area/current13059.html

Location: Woods Canyon Lake Group Area

·         GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
34.32861, -110.93917
34°19'43"N, 110°56'21"W

·         From Payson, Arizona, take Highway 260 northeast from Payson toward Heber. Turn left (west) onto Forest Road 300 and follow for 3 miles. Turn right at Woods CanyonLake Road and travel 0.75 miles to the campground on the right side of the road.  Watch out for BOTH photo radars in Star Valley unless you want to spend a Saturday in traffic school.

·         We have the campground reserved from Friday, May 1st through mid-day Sunday, May 3rd.  The Group Area holds up to 120 people and 30 vehicles.  I think there are 15 pull-ins with picnic tables and fire pits.  In the past we’ve doubled up and it works out fine.  The past two years the host has been Dwayne; tell him hi!

·         Water and Toilets: there’s at least one water tap and two well-maintained (depending on one’s perspective) pit toilets.

Fire Restrictions:

·         Fire Restrictions are at Stage 1.  This sounds ominous, but actually we can have fires in the campground in the designated fire rings per the Black Mesa ranger.  There’s typically been a sufficient amount of down wood to scavenge for a fire, but it doesn't hurt to bring a bundle or two if you have room. 

Activities:

·         Fishing: Once again we'll be having a fishing derby, and I have a bunch of tape measures to hand out.  NOTE:  Arizona fishing license laws changed dramatically in 2014.  Kids ten years and older now need a $5 Arizona Hunting and Fishing License if they want to catch fish.  It is very possible that AZGFD will be checking licenses at Woods Canyon Lake next weekend, so please do get a license for you and your kids if they are 10 or older.  You can buy licenses at Walmart, Big 5, etc. or  online here.  Trout are being stocked this weekend, and I'm told that fishers last week landed some nice big trout that were holdovers from last season.  Game on!

·         Hiking: The Woods Canyon Lake Trail is 3.9 miles around the lake.  Several years ago when the Webelos hiked it, there were nests of bald eagles.  As of now there isn’t a formal hike planned, but it’s a great trail if anyone wants to organize a hike.

·         Potluck Dinner: Saturday evening will be the traditional potluck dinner organized by Dona Whitney and the Volunteer Committee (see link below to sign up if you haven't already).

·         Campfire: We will hold our traditional campfire Saturday evening as well.  The campfire will consist of a flag retirement ceremony, skits, songs and smores. Please share any skit ideas, corny jokes, stories, riddles and other hidden talents with Andy LaRusche. 

Safety:

·         Water Safety: Probably a remote possibility of someone falling in the lake, but it’s a good opportunity to practice situational awareness especially with the younger siblings around water. 

·         Weather Safety: The forecast looks clear, but in the event of a thunderstorm, NOAA says that the safest place is in a vehicle due to the insulation.  Tents and picnic shelters don’t offer protection from lightning.

·         Hypothermia: It’s going to be cold, but not super cold which is prime time for hypothermia.   Dress in layers, bring mittens, ski hats and jackets. 

·         Fire Safety: What goes in the fire pit stays in the fire pit.  Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby to put any sparks that get away.  Make sure the fire is dead before you leave it (from Scoutermom.com Cub Scout fire safety rules).