Sunday, November 6, 2011

Doe Lake Camp Out

November 18-20th
Doe Lake Campground (Ocala Nat'l Forest)

Ocklawaha, FL
(directions: Google link* on the left-hand column)

1. Google doesn't always pick up the new Maitland Blvd extension (Toll Rd 414) that connects you to the 429 Expressway...use it and take it to the northside of Apopka to pick up 441 North. You'll save 15-20mins on a Friday commute.
2. When on Hwy 42, look for "BUCK & DOES" grocery on your right...that will be your right hand turn on to SE 182nd Avenue...START logging your mileage at this point (4.1 miles)...your next turn will be on the right, Cross Road, it's a sand/dirt road and street signage is optional in these parts! Look for the Doe Lake entrance about a 1/2 mile up on the right.

The Doe Lake campout is one weekend you don't want to miss!
This Federation sponsored campout is situated on a nice wooded site. Weekend activities are abundant for kids and dads!

Saturday day/night activities:
Pine Wood Derby car competition; begin designing/building your derby cars with your daughter/son now! Kits, of all shapes and styles can be found at Colonial Hobby (on Mills Ave, 1 block South of Colonial Dr.) or online. Be as creative or basic as you choose, just be sure not to violate the "5 oz." weight limit. This year there will be a Parent Competition. So, if you have time to create your own set of wheels, bring your A-game! http://eolafederation.org/doe-lake-derby-rules

Fishing: bring your tackle box and Jimmy Houston talent. ***Dads, be sure you have a valid FL fishing license...kids don't need one when fishing with you; Sports Authority & Wal-Mart sell licenses.

Canoeing/Kayaking: we should have a couple available for the tribe to share.Kids' Goof-around time: plenty of safe space.

Saturday night movie: TBD

Tribe Camp Site
We should have be able to set-up in a large circle with our campfire in the middle.

The campground has:
*bathrooms*running hot/cold water
*showers
*electric outlets (although limited)

What to bring?
1. Start with the checklist on the right hand column.
2. Your name plaques and posts (new kids/dads can make theirs at this camp-out)
3. Vests (with new patches attached?!)
4. Firewood...shouldn't be needed at this one.
5. Drinks and snacks for you and your kids. *the Tribe doesn't supply drinks.
6. Friday night meal
7. Consider purchasing a tent heater. We have a history of catching a cold weekend in November! Be sure to purchase plenty of propane canisters (approx. 2/night).

Meals
Friday night:
*BYO (grills will available)
Saturday:
*Breakfast (pancakes/eggs/fruit/bacon & sausage)
*Lunch (burgers/dogs)
*Dinner (Jack's famous Fried and Smoked Turkeys, mashed potatoes, veggie, plus mac 'n cheese)
Sunday:
*Breakfast (pancakes/eggs/fruit/bacon & sausage)

Please continue to chip-in in some way on Sunday mornings as we break camp. Most of the help is needed taking down and packing the trailer, but just some overall help in cleaning up our site is necessary and appreciated!

RVSPs are being accumulated now. Please send an email by Friday, November 11th, to Gary LaPage glapage@gmail.com to confirm your attendance and the total number in your party.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

CornFest 2011 Campout

October 21-23rd
Florida Elks Youth Camp, Umatilla
(directions links on the right hand column/NOTE, if your coming from Orlando, Google doesn't offer the Maitland Blvd Extension to the 429 Toll Road NORTH to Apopka; however, take this route...you'll save yourself 15-20 mins by avoiding 441-N through Apopka late on a Friday.)


Cornfest kicks off the YMCA's "Eola Federation" camping season. Our girls, and dads, really enjoy this camp-out each year. The federation offers several activities during the day, Saturday, and that evening with each tribe will travel through the 7 AIMs stations at sunset. The night culminates with a massive bonfire and ghost stories by the Medicine Man.

Saturday day/night activities:
*Pumpkin carving: Federation will hold a viewing contest in the evening.
*Archery: each tribe will get the opportunity to go to the archery range.
*Swimming: the camp has a pool.
*Girls' Goof-around time: plenty of safe space!
*Craft: "Name" plaques: for new girls/dads

Tribe Camp Site:
At this campout, we will be able to set-up in a large circle with our campfire in the middle. Your car will be close to you. Look for the our CALUSA banner when you arrive!

The camp ground has:
*bathrooms
*running hot/cold water
*showers
*electric outlets (although limited)

What to bring?
1. Start with the checklist on the right hand column...
2. Drinks and snacks for you and your daughter (the tribe doesn't supply community beverages)
3. Friday night meal
4. A pumpkin for each child in your party (and carving utensils)
5. Cash/check for camping fees ($65-$75 is the norm)
6. Sunscreen/Bug Spray & Red Ant killer (liquid form!)
7. Don't forget your YMCA annual registration (attached on right hand column)


Meals
Friday night:
*BYO (grills will be available)
Saturday:
*Breakfast (pancakes/eggs/bacon/sausage/fruit)
*Lunch (burgers/dogs)
*Dinner (Steaks, Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Veggies, Mac’n Cheese)
Sunday:
*Breakfast (pancakes/eggs/bacon/sausage/fruit)

Reminder, we need all of our dads to chip-in in some way on Sunday mornings as we break camp. Most of the help is needed taking down and packing the trailer, but just some overall help in cleaning up our site is necessary and appreciated!

RVSPs are being accumulated now. Please send an email by Sunday, October 16th, to Gary LaPage glapage@gmail.com to confirm your attendance and the total number in your party.

Friday, September 2, 2011

September Camp Out - Anatasia State Park

September 16-18th, Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine
www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia/default.cfm
(directions: google link on right-hand column)

Welcome to CALUSA 2011-2012!
Welcome to our new dads and daughters. This weekend at the beach is a nice and casual introduction to the tribe.

Friday
*look to arrive by 6:00pm (Daylight savings is on our side until November.)

Tribe Camp Site:
Look for our CALUSA banner! The early arriving crew of dads (Jack and David) will direct to your site. This camp-out is a bit different than other months. We have booked several sites that hold 2-4 tents. You will have to unload, set-up and then park your vehicle in a designated parking area (***we're told the park is strict on parking***).

The camp ground has:
*bathrooms
*running hot/cold water
*showers
*electric outlets (although limited)

Activities:
*Beach, beach & beach
*Sand castles
*Craft
*Bike riding
*Kite flying
*Campfire
*Goof-around time for the kids


MEALS
Friday night:
*BYO (grills will be available)

Saturday:
*Breakfast (pancakes/eggs/bacon/sausage/fruit/coffee/hot chocolate)
*Lunch (burgers/dogs/chips)
*Dinner (Smoked Pulled Pork BBQ & Beef Brisket, Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Veggies, Mac’n Cheese)
*Famous Dutch Oven Desserts

Sunday:
*Breakfast (pancakes/eggs/bacon/sausage/fruit/coffee/hot chocolate)


What to bring?
1. Use the checklist on the right hand column as a start.
2. Drinks and snacks for you and your daughter(s) - the tribe doesn't supply community beverages.
3. Friday night meal
4. Beach toys
5. Bikes
6. Fishing gear, but you don't have catch your dinner!
7. Sun screen & bug repellent.


Finally, we need all of our dads to chip-in in some way on Sunday mornings as we break camp. Most of the help is needed taking down and packing the trailer, but just some overall help in cleaning up our site is necessary and appreciated!


Sunday, May 1, 2011

Year End Party - May 21st

Please confirm your participation by Sunday May 15th for the Year End Party. The Party will be held at the Windsong pool on Lake Mizell Saturday May 21st, same location as last year. We will be ordering Pizza from Mello Mushroom. Please plan to bring beverages for your family.
 
The party starts at 10:00 we will have lunch around noon and then show the Video around 1:00. We do have the facility until 4:00, but will start to clean up and head out around 2/3:ish.
 
David Collins
Djc52djc@yahoo.com

Thursday, March 3, 2011

State Campout

STATE Campout
March 18-20th
KARS park
Merritt Island
*sign up online now http://2011statepowwow.info/ (*don't bother with the BBQ dinner tickets, we'll have better chow!)

More details to follow...

Please RSVP to David by March 13th djc52djc@yahoo.com

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Mill Dam Camp-out

February 18-20th
Silver Springs, FL
(directions: link on the right hand column; please note the link does NOT direct you to use the Maitland Blvd extension to the 429 to go around Apopka...TAKE the 429 North to 441, you'll save yourself 15-20mins.)
*As you're going up US 19, be aware of speed limits...usually several speed traps in the small towns!
*After you turn LEFT on to ST RD 40 (West), the camp entrance is approximately 11 miles ahead on the RIGHT...look for MILL DAM sign about 1/4 mile before the turn.
*Follow the signs to camp ground...you'll approach a gate (that should be locked) the Gate Code is 1683. ***Please close and lock the gate after you enter***

CALUSA discovered Mill Dam 2 years ago...what a find! The site is entirely ours for the weekend (no other Federation tribes). The grounds are canopied by old oaks...a wide sandy beach offers the kids a safe place to goof off....and the lake is great to explore by kayak or canoe ...locals say there are fish in the lake, CALUSA hasn't had much luck!

Saturday activities:
*craft
*nature walk
*beach games
*goof around time
*bike riding (although limited to the access road(s) around the camp site.

Camp Site
*bathrooms: toilets YES, showers, probably NO...we were told showers were to be installed by 2010 and weren't...so, manage your expectations.
*electric outlets: very limited
*central fire pit

What to bring?
1. Start with the checklist on the right hand column.
2. Your name plaques & plaque post
3. Vests are optional at this camp-out.
4. Firewood (2-3 bundles)
5. Drinks and snacks for you and your kids.
6. Friday night meal
7. Consider purchasing a tent heater...hopefully the severe cold has passed, but be prepared!
8. Bikes are not a necessity for this camp-out.

Meals
Friday night:
*BYO (grills will available)
Saturday:
*Breakfast (pancakes/eggs/fruit/bacon & sausage)
*Lunch (Burgers & Dogs)
*Dinner (Steaks/Taters/Grilled Veggies) /Grilled Chicken & Mac 'n Cheese)
Sunday:
*Breakfast (pancakes/eggs/fruit/bacon & sausage)

Please continue to chip-in on Sunday mornings as we break camp. Most of the help is needed taking down and packing the trailer, but just some overall help in cleaning up our site is necessary and appreciated!

RVSPs are being accumulated now. Please send an email by Sunday, February 13th, to David Collins djc52djc@yahoo.com to confirm your attendance and the total number in your party.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Moss Park Camp-Out

January 15-17th
Moss Park Campground
Orlando
(directions: link on right hand column)
***"417" to Moss Park Rd exit & go EAST on Moss Park Rd. until you reach the end/the guard house and ask for directions to the group campground...look for CALUSA banner.

Moss Park is our most convenient camping location...30-45mins from most of our homes/schools. Situated near Lake Nona, this site offers us many different activities (great for bikes). This is a Federation sponsored campout, so they will also have planned activities, highlighted by the "Critter Races"!

Saturday/night activities:
Federation sponsored events:
*Critter Races
*Scavenger Hunt
*Raffle

Tribe activities
*craft
*beach time (weather dependent)
*ride bikes
*kids goof 'around time

Tribe Camp Site
We should have be able to set-up in a large circle with our campfire in the middle.The campground has:
*bathrooms
*running hot/cold water*showers
*electric outlets (although limited)

What to bring?
1. Start with the checklist on the right hand column.
2. Your name plaques & posts.
3. Vests (with new patches attached?!)
4. Drinks and snacks for you and your kids.
5. Friday night meal
6. If you don't own one, consider purchasing a tent heater...hopefully the severe cold has passed, but be prepared!
*Be sure to purchase plenty of propane canisters (approx. 2/night).
7. Bikes

Meals
Friday night:
*BYO (grills will available)
Saturday:
*Breakfast (pancakes/eggs/fruit/bacon & sausage)
*Lunch (Burgers & Dogs)
*Dinner (Beef Chili w/ the fix'ns / Grilled Chicken /Mac 'n Cheese)
Sunday:
*Breakfast (pancakes/eggs/fruit/bacon & sausage)

Please continue to chip-in in some way on Sunday mornings as we break camp. Most of the help is needed taking down and packing the trailer, but just some overall help in cleaning up our site is necessary and appreciated!

RVSPs are being accumulated now. Please send an email by Sunday, January 9th, to David Collins djc52djc@yahoo.com to confirm your attendance and the total number in your party.