This note is about the camping trip next weekend. We are trying out a new location this time -- Sudden Pond at the Harold Parker State Forest. This campsite has been used for many years by the Cub Scout packs from North Reading. It's a beautiful site and close to home.
Where?
Sudden Pond Campsite at Harold Parker State Forest, North Reading, Massachusetts. Driving time from Wakefield is 15-20 minutes. Directions to the site -- along with some pictures of the site -- are posted on our website. Click here for directions and a map.
When:
Arrival is between 1 pm and 3 pm on Saturday; come whenever your schedule allows. When you arrive, please check in with James, Ben, or Jeff. Please unload your car and then move it back to the parking area on the main road. We need to keep the number of vehicles at the site to a minimum.
You should have lunch before arriving at camp, as it will not be provided.
The schedule for Saturday is as follows:
- 1:00 - 3:00 pm: Arrival, Setup, Fishing
- 3:00 pm - Pack Hike/Nature Scavenger Hunt
- 4:30 pm - Group activity/game. We will need parent volunteers to help set up dinner at this time.
- 5:30 pm - Dinner
- 7:00 pm - Cleanup, Dens practice skits
- 8:00 pm - Campfire. Skits, songs, the works.
- 10:00 pm - Lights out for Cubs. We ask for your cooperation at this time in making sure the boys are in bed.
Sunday morning we'll have a light breakfast and go on a hike. Usually everyone is packed up and on their way home by mid-morning, but we do have use of the campground until 12 noon.
We encourage Scouts to sleep over, of course, but we understand that some of the little guys might be overwhelmed. It's OK to come on Saturday for the activities and go home to sleep.
Please Note:
- BSA regulations mandate that a child can not sleep in a tent with an adult that is not his parent or legal guardian. Webelos are permitted to sleep in tents (with other Webelos) without an adult.
- Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on BSA-sanctioned overnight trips.
- Due to the proximity of the campsite to the water, children must be supervised at all times. We are counting on you, the parents, to keep your children safe.
What to Bring:
- Sleeping Bag, pad and pillow
- Tent. The Pack has some to lend; contact the Cubmaster if you'd like to borrow one. There is no cabin at this site.
- Flashlight
- Rain coat or poncho
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Winter hat and mittens/gloves
- Change of clothes
- Chair for Fire-side
- Fishing pole and tackle
- Mini First Aid kit
- Bug Spray
Given our past experience, the weather always seems to rear its ugly head, but somehow, it usually ends up working out. So unless there's a major storm, the overnighter is on, "rain or shine".
Please contact your Den leader or Jeff Crump if you have any questions.
