Post #583880 by TIKI-RAY on Thu, Apr 7, 2011 3:41 PM

Our hosts (Amy & Chris) have been doing a lot of planning to make sure this weeekend is funtional, fun and safe for all . Because Ive seen the grounds and Ive done a lot of camping , Amy suggested I make a list for the ones who havent camped before or its been a while . Remember that the only thing close by is a Post office, a feed store and a gas station . If youre gonna need it, you better bring it because Barstow is 20 miles away . Most important is to bring your common sense. Think through your days and meal planning for what you will need .These are only suggestions and please feel free to add anything I forgot about .

Campsites: Bring a tent, tarp for underneath to repel ground moisture, carpet or bedroll or blanket for under your sleeping bags,stake your tent down because it gets real windy sometimes, bring hammer or hatchet to pound in stakes,trash bags for your tent,sweater or jacket for the windy nights,towels(paper and cloth)twine to make a clothesline to dry things,plenty of water(Ben and I were drinking a lot. the elements wear you down)sunscreen and hats ,chapstick and moisturizer,razor knife for cutting ,small tent broom ,sunglasses, first aid kit, ibuprofen , flashlights and batteries, electrical cords, lysol wipes etc. Keep your ice chest in the shade , in a tent and put a towel over it to insulate your ice.

Firepits: = tongs, water jugs. Dont put firepits on the grass. The radiant heat will burn it dead fast . Plus bring cash for the many things at the Outpost store onsite . I dont know if there will be an ATM there .

Cooking: all utensils, spices , pots, pans cutting boards you will need. Table to prep food, folding chairs ,sponge with scrubber for dishes, dish soap, bar soap,2 low plastic tubs to wash dishes(1 for soapy and 1 to rinse)waterjug for campsite (fires and hand washing), tumbler cups, matches or lighter for stoves and lanterns, EXTRA TOILET PAPER.

Showers: handled bag to carry everything to showers, sandals to shower in, soaps and hair products,towels. Remember that alot of people are there trying to use the bathrooms also. Try 5 minute showers, get in,get out and dress quick for the next person . And ladies please use your car mirrors to do your makeup like when your driving on the freeway (hahaha). That will ease the load at the bathrooms .

Lake: it has a muddy bottom and is a little slippery. Take your time walking in it . The squishy mud between your toes makes you feel like a kid again . There is a water trampoline but dont dive from it . The water is shallow . Its at your own risk .

Safety: Remeber to tell your kids as well as yourself that there are a lot of obstacles at a campsite and be aware of your surroundings . There are tentstakes, clotheslines , water spigots, sprinklers , gravel roads . Watch your step . You can imagine the pain of kicking a tenstake in the dark in your sandals . Ive done it .If you break a mug or something, pick it all up . A lot of us are wearing sandals . Watch for electrical cords and loose rocks . Tell your kids not to assume that things are cold to the touch just because they dont see a flame . Barbeques, firepits, lanterns and such are HOT long after the fire is out . FIRST AID KITS !!!!!!

Be respectful of other campers: Remember kindergarten rules. A few days of weather, sun , alcohol, wind and lack of sleep gets to everyone so check yourself when you can . We are all in close quarters . Try to be quiet after midnight for those not wanting to keep partying . Keep music levels down, ASK to borrow something, just dont take things . Take quick showers, Share when you can , Be helpful of others who dont know how, police your own children, dont complain, make the best of the situation and be part of the solution . Leave campsite as clean as when you arrived there. . Once again, these are ONLY SUGGESTIONS. Please feel free to add if Ive forgotten something . I hope you all have a great time . A lot of work has gone into this creation . Im sure your gonna be impressed .