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 and/or sleeping pads are very much a necessity for both tents and adirondacks, which are available from the Troop. Many of the adults 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 you will need to 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, opening & closing ceremonies, and breakfasts & dinners. 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 awards, besides the normal activities.

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 might 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, but that's not necessary, as there are picnic tables with benches.
• 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 or wind-up 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, bring your mess kit.
• 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.

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.

Here is a direct link to the 2010 Camp Geronimo Troop Leaders Almanac (12 MB), which is a comprehensive guide to Camp Geronimo and includes Merit Badge prerequisites.