Typical Campout

Each campout is hosted by a member acting as “Wagon Master”. The Wagon Master is a voluntary position. The Wagon Master picks the time and location of a campout they wish to host months in advance. The Wagon Master can purchase raffle prizes, for which he or she is reimbursed by the club, or there are other options available if the Wagon Master is not a "shopper". They are responsible for making sure that the camping destination is ready. This can include as much as coordinating reservations or as little as simply keeping a list of attendees as folks make their reservations. The Wagon Master is the co-host for the potluck, determining its location and running the Raffle. Members begin arriving at a campout as early as Thursday with most arriving on Friday night. On Friday night, we have "Friday Night by the Fire" which can be anything from just sitting around the fire chatting over some snacks, to an ice cream making contest followed by sundaes for everyone. During the days, members keep busy by geocaching, hiking, biking or many other outdoor activities. Some may even hit the local outlets for some shopping.  We may even have a horseshoe or croquet tournament, but all activities are optional.

There are typically no official activities until the Saturday evening potluck. Families bring their own drinks, an appetizer or a dessert, plus a side or main dish to the potluck. The event is opened with refreshments and appetizers and raffle ticket sales followed by a short meeting led by a club Officer regarding important club business and future campouts. We then enjoy dinner and the ever exciting raffle. The potluck is usually followed by cards, dominos, or other games and several campfires.

There is typically a campout one weekend of each month except January. Some summer months, June through August, may have two campouts each. Most campout destinations are within 150 miles of the Bay Area with less than 25% as far as 250 miles. A list of our recent outings can be found in “campout destinations”.

Occasionally the club will organize a long distance campout as well for those that have the time for longer trips.