In preparation for Geronimo

All right, so you've all been looking forward to going to Camp Geronimo all year, but what do you need to do to prepare? Well, the first thing you need to do is to pay your fee. If you haven't done that, see Mrs. Baker to make arrangements to get it paid. After that, here's where you get the information on what to bring and what not to bring - the official list and supplemental information based on the experience of some who have gone before.

Here are some things to consider when packing. While it is a camping trip, and you will be sleeping in tents, it's not a single over nighter nor is it a backpacking trip. You can pack a few extra things to make the stay a little more comfortable, as long as you also remember it's only a temporary "home away from home", and you will have to lug what you pack there and back, so don't over do it.

The tents that are provided for the boys are large, heavy tarps on metal frames, which are set upon wooden platforms. The adirondacks, which are provided for the adults, are three-sided, roofed, wooden structures, with four wooden beds. Cots (or sleeping pads) are very much a necessity for both tents and adirondacks, which are available from the Troop, or at Camp Geronimo. Many of those going will be sleeping on cots outside of any structure, with just a tarp covering them in case it rains at night.

There are showers, but there are no clothes washers. So, you will need to bring enough clothing to keep you covered for eight days, or figure out how to clean what you bring. Be sure to pack soap and/or shampoo. One can serve in place of the other for a reduction in space usage, but I'd recommend choosing shampoo over regular soap in that case. Class A uniforms are required for flag ceremonies and meal times. For the rest of the time, shorts and t-shirts can be worn, but try to keep them Scouting related and neat (no big holes and/or ragged edges).

You will be kept busy and active most of the time, but there will be some down time for playing board or card games, reading or some other similar activities. Also, there is the pursuit of Big "G" Gold, Duty To God and I Did It All, besides the normal activities. I will be putting information up about those activities and awards later.

Here's the official Camp Geronimo "What To Bring" list:
Clothing Items		Merit Badge Items
	Pajamas		Merit badge books
	Class "A" Scout uniform		Boy Scout Handbook
	Sweater or jacket		Writing items: paper and pencils or pens
	Poncho or rain gear		pocket CPR certificate
	Hat or visor
	Rugged pants (denim jeans)	Camp Necessities
	T-shirts		Flashlight w/plenty of fresh batteries
	Underwear		Clothsline and pins
	Hiking boots and proper socks		Personal First Aid Kit
	Tennis shoes or moccasins with proper socks		Drinking cup
	Swim suit and towel		Pocket knife (NOT a sheath knife) and Tot n' Chip
	Old tennis shoes		Fishing gear
			Compass
Camping Gear
	Sleeping bag or blanket(s)	Very Important
	Ground cloth		Signed medical release
	Pack or duffel bag		Spending money - about $35.00
	Cot or air mattress		Mess kit with fork, spoon and knife
	Canteen
		Suggested Extras
Toilet Kit			Sunglasses
	Handkercheifs		Camera and film
	Toothbrush and toothpaste		Musical instrument
	Comb
	Shaving gear (?)
	Bath soap, shampoo
	Bath towel and wash cloth
	Deodorant

Here are some notes about what to bring.

• Bring a day-pack with you to carry essential things around Geronimo during your stay there and carry it with you on the trip.
• For the trip there and back, pack in your day pack things like you rain poncho, water, your 10 essentials, etc. Having your rain gear handy on arrival can be rather important.
• When preparing things like sleeping bags and pillows, you might want to pack them in plastic bags, in case it rains on the way up, or during check-in (like it did in 2006). Then your sleeping gear won't be damp your first night there.
• Since it is our Troop's tradition to be first everywhere we go, having a portable camp chair to wait in line with is a nice thing for the legs and feet. Having a regular camp chair for the camp site is a good thing, too.
• Bring a water bottle or Camel Bak (or a non-name brand back pack hydration unit), and use it.
• Having a tarp or two and some rope can help with making camp a little cooler and more comfortable place to be.
• Every thing's done on a schedule, so having some way of telling time is important, and since there's no electrical hookups in the campsites, having plenty of fresh batteries is important, too. If you're like me and use your cellular phone to tell time and your phone's battery doesn't last too long, this can be an important thing to consider. Two options are a wrist watch with an alarm and a portable, battery operated alarm clock.
• A flashlight was already mentioned, but you might want to bring two or three, just in case. Also, sometimes you need a light and two hands, so having a head light flashlight is ideal.
• Also, having a table lamp or propane lantern for the nights at the camp site is a good thing (with bug repellent).
• Sometimes a backpack or propane stove is handy, especially if you want your own coffee first thing in the morning before you can get it from the dining hall, or if you want to cook up a small afternoon or evening snack.
• Meals are provided, along with the necessary hardware (plates, bowls, forks, etc.), but if you want to eat at other times and/or at the site, having your own mess kit is a good idea.
• Speaking of eating, bringing along some individually wrapped snacks for between meals is also a good idea. Keep them individually wrapped, however, and then in another container. Otherwise, squirrels, chipmunks and mice will get into them. Even if the food is inside a backpack or duffel bag, they will chew their way in if they smell the food.
• There are showers provided, but they're not very fancy. If you plan on shaving, you might bring a hanging mirror of some type as well, and liquid soap or shampoo in a small bottle, rather than a bar.

Here's the official Camp Geronimo "Leave at Home" list:
	Fireworks		Radio/tape & CD/DVD players
	Sheath knives		Weapons
	Water balloons		Water balloon launchers
	Sling shots		Wrist rockets
	Skateboards/rollerblades		Bicycles
	Matches, lighters, HotSpark kits

While you are not allowed electronic gadgets at Geronimo, you are allowed them on the trip there and back. During the stay at Geronimo, they will be locked inside the vehicles.

Keep in mind that these are only suggestions. Some of these items may not make sense to you, and some may be unimportant to you, they're just some ideas to think about. If you have other suggestions or ideas about what to bring and what not to bring, leave a comment and share your thoughts with everyone.