OVERVIEW
The time is finally here! This weekend we will adventure down to Camp Tahuaya for the Pack's spring campout!
In this post you'll find everything you need to be prepared for the trip.
The audience for this post is families that have already registered for this campout.
LOGISTICS
TIME
Earliest arrival time is 4:00pm this Friday (April 21st) at the campsites. Look for Ben Highsmith (he's usually near the trailer) and he will give direction on where to setup your tent(s). Do NOT setup without checking in first!
Sunset is expected at 8:02pm, while we don't mind campers setting up after dark, it's definitely easier for you to give yourself an hour or two of daylight!
Remember that we'd like everyone to plan to arrive Friday as we are convoying to Austin early Saturday morning.
LOCATION
(Exit 298A going South on I35, turn right on Tahuaya Drive)
This drive can take anywhere from 2.5 - 3.5 hours, depending on traffic. I drove into Austin last weekend, leaving at about 1:00pm. The total drive time was just at 4.5 hours including some impressive traffic in both Waco and Temple. No active construction and no wrecks that I could see, just a lot of people making that trek. Plan appropriately.
Our campsites will be the "Pioneer" and "Tonkawa" sites as indicated below. When you're driving into the camp, you'll be entering from the left of this map on "Tahuaya Road".
The Google map above will take you to the parking lots, indicated by the pin below. When you're driving in expect to see the camps before Google tells you that you've "arrived".
Look for the Pack 1910 banner and you'll be able to unload your vehicle from the side of the road and them move on to park in the lots further down by the camp offices. (Pro Tip: Bring a pull cart to unload your gear, or a really motivated Scout who likes to carry things)
On Saturday, we'll be traveling into Austin to visit the Bullock Museum and the State Capitol. We'll confirm from camp on Saturday morning, but right now it looks like the best location to end up is the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage (1201 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701)
From there we will be on foot to the Bullock Museum (1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701)and then later to the Capitol building, which is a short 3 block walk south.
WEATHER
The current weather forecast (as of Tuesday, April 18th) for the area:
Friday: High 80/Low 48, winds in the teens; morning thunderstorms likely followed by a cold front
Saturday: High 72/Low 49, wind 8-11mph; sunny
Sunday: High 67/Low 54, wind 6-14mph; partly cloudy
WHAT TO BRING
The most important part of a successful camping excursion is being prepared! At the most basic level you will need to prepare for:
- Something to sleep IN
- Something to sleep ON
- Somewhere to SIT
- Something to WEAR
- Something to EAT WITH
- Personal toiletries
- Light
- Water
Here's a list of the bare-minimum you need, all of this can be gathered from Wal-Mart ("A Scout is Thrifty") or any outdoors store like Academy or REI:
- Tents - The general rule of thumb is to go 2-people above your count. For instance a 4-person tent size is comfortable for 2-3 people.
- Tent ground cloth - This can be a tarp or something that was purpose-built for your specific tent. The important part is to have a ground covering between your tent and the earth to prevent moisture from seeping in and protect your tent from cuts/holes.
- Tent stakes - It's always frustrating when you get where you're going and realize you're missing these!
- Sleeping bags - It's going to be chilly this weekend!
- Cot/Air Mattress/Sleeping pad - lots of options for your comfort in this category, remember a pump if you choose the air mattress!
- Pillows
- Flashlights - Head lamps are a great way to keep your hands free, and red lights don't attract bugs.
- Camping chairs
- Mess kits - we don't supply paper plates or utensils; there are a ton of great kits available that have some combination of a plate + bowl + spork (including at the Longhorn Scout Shop in Hurst)
- Reusable Water bottle - We'll have plenty of drinking water for everyone, you just need to bring a bottle.
- Camp coffee mug - For other beverages available during meals
- Warm clothes - The current forecast is promoting a "dress in layers" approach
- Durable shoes - With the rain, expect the kids to immediately gravitate towards all the mud in the area. Don't bring new shoes that have not been broken in yet!
- Rain gear - As of right now, the rain is expected to be gone before we start meeting at 4:00pm Friday, but that can always change!
- First aid kit - nothing too extravagant, just the basics will do
- Toiletries - Toothbrush, toothpaste, hair comb, soap, hand sanitizer, etc.
- Medications
- Toilet paper - There will be latrines on site
- Feminine pads, etc.
- Sunblock
- Insect repellent
- Trash bags - we always leave a site cleaner than we found it!
Special Items:
- Cub Scout uniform - We expect all Scouts to be in full "Class A" uniform for the day trip to Austin.
- Whittling Chits - If you're bringing a Scout that has earned their whittling chit, it is REQUIRED that they have it on their person in order to use their knife. There will be a 'safe zone' designated under a canopy for whittling. Please ensure that your Scout is not using their knife outside of this area to help ensure the safety of everyone. (It's not called a "blood circle" for nothing...)
- ALL ADULTS attending need to have a current Youth Protection Training (That's everyone, not just the Scout leaders)
In addition to the "bare minimum" above, there are a number of items that can help with your overall comfort:
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Non-electronic downtime entertainment - sports balls, frisbees, etc.
- Fishing gear - This is not a planned activity, but some folks love to take the opportunity. Remember every angler aged 17 years and older needs a current Texas fishing license on their person
- Snacks for picky eaters - It's hard to have fun if you're dehydrated and/or hungry!
- Hat for additional sun protection
- Sandals/Crocs/Hey Dudes/etc. - It's always nice to have something a little more freeing for the wind-down times. We don't often wear shoes for 12-14 hours and your feet will thank you!
- Small bike lights or reflective tape for your guy lines - If you've never had someone trip over your tent lines at 2:43am, I promise you're not missing out.
- A positive mental attitude!
And a quick note on what NOT to bring:
- Alcohol
- Weapons other than pocket knives
- Pets
- Tobacco use (including vaping) is prohibited in the presence of the Scouts; it's best not to bring any if possible
WHAT TO EXPECT
🎉 The most amazingly fun weekend this side of the Mississippi! 🎉
More specifically; here is a loose itinerary for the weekend:
FRIDAY:
- 4:00pm or later - Arrive at camp and setup your site
- Evening: "Cracker Barrel" food (crackers/cheese/cured meats) This is NOT a full dinner, please arrange for your own dinner Friday night. If you need to cook something, you're welcome to the Pack's kitchen area.
- 10:00pm - Quiet time
- 10:30pm - Lights out
SATURDAY:
- Quick breakfast
- ~10:00am - Travel to Austin, arrive ~11:00am
- 11:00am Bullock Museum
- Lunch (packed sack from the main camp)
- 1:00pm IMAX at the Bullock museum
- ~2:00pm walk to State Capitol
- 2:30pm meet and greet with our State Representative
- ~3:30pm - Travel back to camp, arrive ~4:30pm
- Dinner (Walking tacos)
- Dutch Oven Competition*
- ~Dusk - Flag Retirement Ceremony ++ Campfire Program
- 10:00pm - Quiet time
- 10:30pm - Lights out
* Back by popular demand, we will have the 17th Pack 1910 Campout Dutch Oven Dessert Competition! Each den can make 1-2 Dutch oven desserts. Only 1 per den may be entered into the competition.
The den is responsible for all planning, purchasing, preparing and baking of the desserts. The Pack has plenty of charcoal and 4 Dutch ovens. With up to 10 potential desserts, please bring your own oven from home if possible. (Den leaders should be reaching out to coordinate with parents)
5 random parents will be chosen to judge the best dessert. To the winner goes the Golden Spoon!
SUNDAY:
- Quick breakfast
- Scouts Own service ("A Scout is Reverent", this is a multi-faith, non-denominational service that the Scouts lead themselves, with the guidance of an adult)
- Camp cleanup and pack-out EVERYONE is expected to chip in and help so we can all get on the road at a reasonable hour. Please don't run off without experiencing the fun that is a "trash patrol"!
- Head home with happy hearts and amazing memories! (and maybe stop at the Czech Stop bakery at Exit 353 for some of the best kolaches in Texas!) [This is not a paid advertisement, they're just a staple for the I35 trip for those who may be new to the drive 😃]
Remember, a Pack is only as strong as its volunteers. There will be a multitude of opportunities for you to step in and help this weekend. Off the top of my head:
- Camp Setup/Breakdown
- Preparing and serving meals
- Fire marshaling (bonus points if you bring a fireman's helmet!)
- Scouts Own service coordinator
- Trash Patrol Sunday morning (this should be everyone!)
This is a great weekend to get to know other families and a great ice breaker is sharing a common task. Don't wait for an invitation, ask anyone what you can do to help and there's sure to be a job that you'll excel at!
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That's it for me, I need to go do another gear check and get ready. We'll see y'all this weekend! Safe travels everyone!
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