Troop,
Here is some updated information for the Sand Dunes Campout:
Weather: (Make sure you bring good rain gear) https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/SAND:13:US
Directions:
- See directions from Wilson United Methodist Church to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Google Maps. Roughly a 2hr 40min Drive.
Attendance: This is a family campout and we are planning on having a good turn-out! Scouts are divided into two patrols.
Timeline:
- Friday, 12 April:
- 5:30pm Meet at Church, load gear, cross load kids and gear if needed, and depart as soon as we can (hopefully by 6pm at the latest).
- Saturday 13 April:
- Scouting activities
- Sunday 14 April:
- 9am Depart Great Sand Dunes
- 12pm (noon-ish) Arrive at Church
Activities:
- Hikes on the Dunes
- Navigation (Maybe Geocache to make it fun)
- Rank Advancement and Merit Badge Completion
- Knot Tying / lashing relays
Cost:
- $12 per scout for food or so for food. Campsite is unknown at this time since we are looking at getting about four sites to accommodate everyone.
Food:
- Scouts will prepare their own food. Evan and Austin are buying the food and overseeing the cooking activities for their respective patrols. Note that scouts will bring their Friday dinner with them…a Subway Sandwich or something like that. Depending on weather and the time we arrive and establish camp, we may have a camp fire and have some community.
- Adults will bring/prepare their own food. Adults are more than welcome to combine resources and prep “group” meals, but of course, that is on your own. We will have some Dutch ovens and will likely share breakfast and dinner. Lunch will be on our own while we are on the Dunes (hopefully high dune).
Packing List (suggested-please adjust as necessary):
* Scouts please pack your own gear, Parents check. Pack like you are back packing to get used that that and tailor as necessary to adjust for car camping:
- Class A Shirt
- Backpack with Waterproof Bag (Could be a lawn/leaf garbage bag)
- Sleeping Bag – CHECK the weather and make sure your gear is rated to keep you warm!!!
- Sleeping Pad (The foam ones are the best for cold weather or at least one with a high insulation factor)
- Mess Kit with eating utensils
- Two Liters of Water (One should be a Nalgene Bottle)
- Lighter/Matches
- Sunglasses
- Clothes to match the weather and activities (Rain Gear, Down Jacket, Fleece, Base Layer, Insulation Layer)
- Beanie Cap (Warm)
- Warm Gloves
- Wool Socks and one or two extra pairs
- Head Lamp with spare batteries
- Hand Sanitizer (For for starting fires too)
- Tinder (Dryer Lint works awesome, petroleum jelly and cotton balls)
- Some money to get lunch/snack/warm drink on the way back
- Toilet Paper
- Chapstick/Sunscreen – very important!
- A list of rank advancements you need to accomplish!!! (yes, Scouts should bring their books)
- Toothbrush
- Wet-wipes
- Positive Attitude
- Permission slip
- Scout Hand Book!!! (For Rank Advancement Opportunities)
Troop gear:
- Tents
- Water Purification Pump
- Compasses
- Food to be purchased
- Troop Flag
- American Flag
- 2 Patrol Box complete with stove (Fuel), cooking items, Cooking Canopy, Table
- Firewood
- Troop Telescoping Flag Pole with American Flag (it is in the trailer)
Optional:
- GPS
- Sleds, Snowboards, Cardboard box for sliding down the sandhill. Sand will ruin your equipment so I don’t recommend good sleds or snowboards.
- Camera
- Book
- Folding Chair
Ghost Stories
