We had a lot of new campers at Encampment this weekend and it reminded those of us who have been doing it for awhile that norms aren't normal to newbies. So here is a list of "norms" in no particular order.
- Check in upon arrival at the main lodge with Lee and expect a camp meeting about 8 pm on Friday night.
- Walk at all times at camp.
- Three whistle blows = "I Need Help." Two whistle blows = "I'm coming."
- Cars must be backed into parking spaces.
- Keys to cars should be carried at all times.
- Cars must be parked in the common lot, never at your personal campsite.
- Food should be stored in the program shelter closet. Food should never be kept in cabins.
- At check out, everyone in a unit has to be ready to leave before the unit can be checked out.
- When loading for departure, please empty your cabins and pile your gear in one spot before bringing your cars in to load.
- A campfire is "out" when the ashes are cool enough to touch.
- HOT (Hour of Tranquility) is a suggestion not a rule. Do what is right for your troop.
- When we have a cook, mess kits are not needed. They cook AND do the dishes for us!
- No open-toed shoes... and definitely no flip flops :)
- Adults should not be doing kapers; this is the girls' chance to learn to use a broom, roll a sleeping bag, wipe a table...
- No alcohol.
- Hats off during flag ceremonies.
- At meals, girls bus and clean their own tables. They should also be doing that for their leaders/chaperones. There is an "in" and an "out" door when entering either the kitchen or the dish return area.
- Everyone needs to bring completed health forms for both girls and adults.
- Don't forget to have girls bring swaps, and the girls should be making the swaps.
- No suitcases, only duffle bags or backpacks.
- Expect the temperature to be around 5-10 degrees cooler than the posted temperature in Prescott.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness (make sure you have a water bottle).
- No need to bring bottled water. Water at camp is delicious.
What else did you learn this weekend that I forgot to add to this list? Email your suggestions for additions.