Hello everyone! We're getting excited about our first-ever gathering in Greenwood SC!

ERVetChick and LeatherHead are currently without internet connections because of the move from IN to TN. We're very proud that she's officially a vet now. :-)

While they're 'out of it', ZoeMomma and I will be continuing the planning for our gathering. We have some really terrific ideas and hope everyone that attends has a great time. Here's what we have so far:

* We were all unanimous that we wanted this to be a slower, more relaxed gathering. We'll be using an enclosed community building at the park which will allow us to set up materials and leave them all day long. We want to encourage folks to take their time and visit a little without worrying about wind and weather outside. The building has a really nice fireplace and assuming the weather is cool enough, we plan to have a fire burning all day.

* The TENTATIVE schedule looks like this-- we may be changing stuff a bit closer but this will give you an idea. :-)

Friday night, welcome bonfire at our campsite. Fire, hot chocolate mix, and s'mores ingredients will be supplied by us. Bring your own cups and something to sit on.

Saturday morning will be time for everyone to box, breakfast, whatever. We aren't planning on specific breakfast plans unless someone else coming would like to volunteer and organize it with us.

The building will officially open around 10am. It will remain open until everyone decides they really want to leave that evening. ;-)

Potluck lunch will start around 12pm. With luck we'll be supplying hot dogs and condiments for roasting them on the fire. More details on that later.

Around 3ish, we'd like to start workshopy activities like carving and hollow book-making. We've had several requests from people who want to carve together so we thought this might be nice in the late afternoon as everyone is winding down outside.

There will be at least one night box to get for all those who are around Friday and Saturday evening. We'll be staying Saturday night as well and everyone is welcome to join us around the campfire if you're still there.


We'll have special boxes planted just for the gathering of course, and have permission from the Rangers to do any night-hiking we'd like. There is a small playground near one of the other shelters, although there isn't one at the shelter we'll be using.

I'll have a Word document to post, probably tomorrow, with hotel and camping information for anyone coming to spend the night. I'll also include driving and map information to get there.

There will be a donation jar out if anyone feels like they can help with the costs of the weekend for us. It's not required to attend but my checkbook sure would appreciate it!! <big grin>

GreyCrazy

Oooh, sounds like great jolly fun, I want to leave now!!!

I'm not much of a camper anymore (I was before kids - haven't camped with them), but I've promised to try with them....... March in NC is WAY to cold for my little weenie babies (now if they had extra padding like me they wouldn't get so cold - lol!), but what's camping in March like in that part of SC? I'd really love to stay over night (both nights!!) but don't think I can afford a hotel. (But I might win the lottery before then!! Then I'd just BUY a hotel and everyone could stay!).

So some camping advice would be great, and I'll double check the budget (and today's winning numbers! Kidding, I've never bought a lottery ticket - too cheap!).

Mama Fox

We are excited! We won't be able to spend a night but will try to get there as early as possible. I know that there will be a boatload of kids. Will there be an open area for the kids to play on with balls etc? We can bring wiffle balls & bats & frisbees. (& dessert probably chocolate :))

Dwight - J walkers

Thank you for all of the work you are doing for us! If there is any way I can help, please let me know!!! I am not sure how many of my kiddos are coming. We have a cub scout with a pinewood derby contest on that Sat. Just found out this week and said, "Drat!" But I'd love to line up something fun for kids (because I will definitely be there, rain or shine!!). Give me some ideas and I will run with them: )

't'
dtandfambly

No cabins there, but tents stay right cozy. Not sure what the weather will bring.....

We are soon to post motel info though...FYI