The annual Cub Scouts camping trip is a great intro to camping for families who haven't camped before. Some meals are provided, and you'll have lots of support from other families. Here's what to expect:

We camp for two nights, arriving Friday afternoon/evening and departing Sunday morning of the weekend after school ends. Huckleberry group site can accommodate up to 120 people, but it only includes parking for fifteen vehicles. If you are not one of the first 15 vehicles the ranger will ask you to pay for day parking, which is reimbursable. There is space for more than 15 cars (especially if we do a good job of parking close to one another!), but some families may need to unload and then repark in a nearby lot.

There are bathrooms with running water a few minutes walk away, and a port-a-potty and a spigot next to the campsite. There are also showers, but expect much of the pack to revel in being dirty. Huckleberry does not have a flag pole, so no need to bring scout uniforms for flag ceremonies!

There are lots of picnic tables, but not so many that families can "claim" tables or parts of tables for themselves. Please be courteous and do not leave belongings on tables. In addition, the pack's cooking gear is intended for pack use, not personal use. (We've had issues with people cooking on/dirtying pack gear after it had already been cleaned, requiring it be cleaned again between meals.) If you want to cook for your family, please plan to bring your own stove as well as a camp kitchen or other surface for cooking. 

It can be foggy and cool in the mountains! This is the weather station closest to Mt. Madonna, but be prepared for it to feel cooler than forecasted given the dampness. In 2023 it was so foggy that water condensed on the trees and it functionally rained all weekend, so while that's not a common occurrence at Mt. Madonna, it's a good idea to have rain gear just in case. Also be aware that air mattresses are not insulated and sleep very cold. If you plan to bring an air mattress, consider bringing some yoga mats to put under it to help keep you warm.

Expect a mixture of structured activities and free time to play/socialize/relax. The whole family is welcome (including younger siblings!), but note that all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

 Meals:

• Friday night: You're on your own. Families will be arriving thoughout the evening, so plan to either eat before you get there or pack something for your family.

• Saturday morning: Scramble (potatoes, peppers, cheese, sausage - veggie and meat) + coffee/tea/hot chocolate

• Saturday lunch: Bring a brown bag lunch to eat while hiking

• Saturday night: Hamburgers, veggie burgers, chips, fruit and veggie trays

• Sunday morning: Muffins/breakfast pastries + coffee/tea/hot chocolate

We will need volunteers to help with meal prep and clean-up (both directly and supervising scout volunteers).