Making a successful family camp/reunion

As the camp winds down, we can reflect on all the positive things that made this year's camp/reunion such a good experience. I doubt that I'll get all of the reasons but maybe this will at least be a reasonable start upon which others can improve:


Good parking. This isn't apparently so obvious for many camp planners. But adequate parking for both cars and RV's is necessary to accommodate camp participants throughout the camp as well as create a positive first impression.

Good group activity center. Good lighting, table space, cooking space are all important. It is also important that everything be handicap accessable, a feature that I wasn't nearly aware of until my dependence on a walker increased so much.


Good bathroom facilities are a must. Of course they should be close to the activity areas without being a major distraction.

I was surprised to see in front of our restroom this new sign prohibiting smoking in the area. We didn't expect any problem in that way but it can be a serious problem with people who believe that the great outdoors and a great cigar mix.

And of course a place to pitch our tents that is access able to parking, restroom, and common interest areas.

RevaBeth is to be congratulated and thanked for planning so many activities for both children and adults. One of the activities which has been successful before was to have everyone large and small decorate his/her own cup. By using and reusing this cup everyone contributes to less garbage and has a souvenir to take home.

Another favorite for the kids is hunting for toys and coins in the pile of "stuff" that represents the haystack in which the kids are expected to find "the needle". In this case the needle is such that it is a little easier to find. Still it is fun to watch the kids madly attack the shreaded paper.

A new feature this year which could easily become a favorite was "mining for precious gems". Each child gets a small bowl of "rocks" in which is hidden a guaranteed number of small gemstones, usually garnet or sapphire. Interestingly, those who go after the smallest stones tend to get the most number of gems.


Kids had a lot of opportunity to express their creativity by painting such things as plates, frames, T-shirts and even cookies.


Even adults were given a chance to express creativity with an activity sponsored by Cami making jewelry. One of the favorite pieces was a pendant with beads representing the family tree.

Another favorite activity was just sitting and enjoying the scenery, watching the kids, or reading a good book. Needless to say, this activity was enjoyed more by the adults.


While the camp did not have a strong emphasis on family history, still there was some sharing of pictures, stories, blessings, and even family home movies. A edited version of RevaBeth's slide show from previous years was shown and a copy of the CD containing all the slides and some from prior camps was distributed to all families attending Friday evening.

But probably the most favorite activities for the adults were talking...

... and eating. As before, different families shared the cooking duties from pancakes


to Dutch over meals. Good recipes were shared as well as ideas for improved outdoor cooking. Shown above is a new gadget called The Volcano which improves the efficiency of charcoal and makes cooking easier as well.


And finally, no camp would be complete without a campfire, roasting marshmallows, and s'mores.