BIG Camp, BIG Comfort!

***** I started writing this post in 2014. What happened to the last three years??? Lots, including Guiding Mosaic in Sylvan Lake, AB in 2016 and SOAR 2017 in Smithers, BC.  Most of what I had already written is still pertinent and may be helpful to someone, so I will pass it along now! J *****

******************************* August 2014 *********************************

I am just recently back from a wonderful, exhausting Guiding adventure.  I spent 12 days living in camp, as Core Staff for B.C.’s “Spirit Of Adventure Rendezvous” (SOAR), a large international camp held every 3 years.  The last SOAR I attended was the very first one, held at Camp Hughes in Prince George in 1995.  Nineteen years ago!  Sheesh!  That time, I attended as a patrol Guider, bringing eight Mackenzie Guides and Pathfinders, and my penpal from Iowa, Joyce, was my co-leader.  It was the first SOAR ever held, as I said, and my first truly big camp, so I had no idea what to expect or how to prepare.  This was pre-internet and Facebook too, so there was little communication between participants before the event!

This time I traveled to Enderby, BC, along with 2615 other girls and women, and participated as Core Staff – a totally different experience!  My preparations to attend were made much easier by drawing on my past experience, of course, and also by all the tips, tricks, and advice offered on the SOAR Facebook group.  That was a game changer!

Going as Core Staff instead of as a Patrol Guider was a different experience of course, and while some things were still the same (uniform needed, some equipment, etc.), others were not.  Either way, I want to offer a look at what I took, what I didn’t take, and what I wish I’d taken!  That, hopefully, will prevent some “wheel-reinvention” for upcoming large events.

Top most valuable thing I took:  my cot and its mattress!  Yes, while I have never been a cot-camper, I knew that surviving 12 days in my tent would require more than a thermarest!  Oh my, best money spent!  My cot – Cabela’s  XL Outfitter – was almost as comfy as my bed at home, and I got up no more stiff or sore than I would have at home.  In addition, hubby surprised me with the hanging pockets accessory, so I had built in places to put my glasses (a padded slot!) and my cell phone/alarm clock (a pop out “tray”).  As well, all my clothes and gear fit under my bed, making for a very spacious situation in my 9x9 tent!

The thing that my friends and neighbours most appreciated me bringing:  my garden wagon.  It wasn’t pretty - all banged and chipped and a bit rusty, but its 500lb capacity meant it was called into service all camp, to haul gear, water, supplies, etc.  Because it has rubber tires, not plastic, it was quiet on the paved and graveled areas, and rolled smoothly over any surface.  It also made a good seat in a pinch.  Several patrols brought wagons as well, many of them collapsible ones that I have read about but never used.  I took mine without its sides, and didn’t regret that, as almost any size load could be piled on it.

********************************* September 2017 *********************************

Now I am coming back to this post with the experience of two more large camps under my belt. I would stand by my previous statements as to the value of my excellent cot and my large garden wagon. Unfortunately I have not always been able to afford the space to bring my garden wagon, so have invested in a folding version that, while it is not as heavy duty nor versatile as my big one, has still been invaluable in hauling gear and chairs around camp, and generally saving my back. I bought Walmart’s $80 wagon and it has been pretty good. I recently had the opportunity to camp with Costco’s similarly priced wagon, and given the choice, would pick it over the Walmart one. A) It folds flat, instead of columnar, making it easier to slide into small spaces. B) It has a “D” handle instead of a “T”, so a strap or belt can be added to lengthen the reach (important to tall people!). C) The handle “magnets” to the frame when you stop, instead of into the rubbery bracket that the Walmart one has, making it much easier to deal with one-handed. By the way, these items seem to be available very seasonally, so plan ahead if you want to purchase one for an upcoming event!

I will finish this post off by adding the list of tips I wrote in the Fine Arts newsletters for SOAR 2017. I hope you find them useful on your next adventure!

§ I loved my locking, waterproof footlocker. It gave me a place to secure valuables when away from my tent, kept my belongings dry, and doubled as a bedside table or a footstool!

§ I got tired of wearing my nametag around my neck. Sometimes I wore it diagonally instead.

§ Humour diffuses and lightens almost any situation. I am so glad I brought my sense of humour!

§ I was glad I brought some little “creature comfort” things—individually wrapped wipes, little packets of foot soak., some wrapped mints. I could give them away as thank you gifts or pick me ups, and brighten my Guiding sisters’ time at camp too!

§ Lip balm! More than one. With SPF. Nuff said.

§ I loved having my solar lights clipped to my tent—so easy to find it in the sea of them. Also glow sticks on sticking out guy lines saved a lot of tripping!

§ A full sized foot basin made my feet sooo happy at night.  And a bucket with a lid to bring water to it, and carry the dirty water away!

§ While drinking water is provided, sometimes it wasn’t as pleasant tasting as I am used to. I was very grateful for my Brita water bottle that filtered out some of the tastes & for a bottle of “Mio/Dasani” type flavour drops to use in my other bottles to disguise tastes & help me stay hydrated!

§ I wish I had brought rubber boots. I thought my gortex shoes were enough, but the boots would have been better.

§ I’m glad I brought blister treatments with me! Even though my shoes weren’t new, the combination of sweat and constant walking got me at GM. There are blister prevention balms, in containers like mini deodorant sticks that may stop the rub that causes blistering…..

§ You, of course, know that changing your socks and even your shoes part way through the day can be a marvelous relief for tired feet. I didn’t know that Avon Foot Wipes are apparently a wonderful thing, easy to pack along, and refresh one’s feet before slipping on those clean socks!

§ Still on the topic of feet, do test the soles of the shoes you plan to wear to ensure that if you are walking on gravel they will not cause you to feel every single pebble!

There you have it. I hope you have an adventure in mind for the future, and that these tips will help you have a more comfortable and enjoyable time! Go for it! (See you at SOAR in 2020??)

North Owl