LNT Trainers Camp Report 2/9-11/2008

LNT Trainers Workshop; Camp Tukabatchee; Feb 9-11, 2008
(Some of this has been posted under the calender, but the rest is included here)

For those that couldn't make, sorry you missed out. Do know that we will put this on again next year around the same time. It was a great trip. I believe ke4uzi will chime in shortly too. I have yet to get the photos onto the computer, but some of them were great. Apparently, I had met ke4uzi a few times prior and again this trip. His knowledge in the area is great and he can share lots of valuable information with anybody who asks.

Here's a brief bit about what happened:
Lots of folks arrived Friday from far distances to avoid the early Sat morning drive. We had ladies from New Orleans, LA, Boy Scouts from Mobile, AL, college students from Georgia Southern University, trail guides from North Carolina, and local LNT Masters and Trainers from Montgomery, Troy, and Birmingham present at the event. The registration topped 30 people at some points. Friday night, those that arrived, set up camp around the new dining hall and socialized with everyone in attendance. After everyone had settled in, met with everyone, and filled their guts, myself and another scouter took about 6 people on a night hike around the new camp and old camp to give a little tour. We probably covered 3-4 miles in a couple of hours. Nothing extravagant to seek out, but being out was the fun part. There were enough stars, that we only used the flashlights for the creek crossings. We took in the sites of the established campsites, the two-dollar bridge, the remains of the old camp, the new camp, and the general nature of the nightlife. We saw several instances of animal tracks all throughout the area.

Saturday the course started and we proceeded to cover the Leave No Trace Guidelines and give a hands-on approach at what it meant to practice the principles. We did demonstrations of properly building campfires, property disposing of campfire wastes, taking precautions in picking campsites, proper methods of traversing through trails, meadows, and pristine area, and we also covered poopology (proper techniques and method for discarding human wastes). Each event had some small method and challenge for the participants to interact with, which helped keep them involved for the principles.

The camp provided meals for everyone and kept a constant supply of snacks and drinks for each participant. For lunch we had the classic ham, turkey, and roast beef sandwiches with chips, fruits, soups, and deserts. I believe we went through several cases of jumbo rice crispy treats and hershey bars during the weekend. Dinner that night consisted of chicken quarters, corn in the husks, new potatoes, and carrots in a nice turkey fryer under broth. This of course was served with rolls, biscuits, and banana pudding.

The major requirement for the LNT Trainer course was for the participants to present a 7min presentation on either the LNT priciples in general or one major point in particular. Most of these were very well done and provided an hour or so of laughter and learning. It really helps others share what they know, gather more information from their peers, and get some critique from others.

Another night hike of 6-7 went around the camp (different trail and direction) around 9pm, and most relegated to the tents for the evening.

Sunday morning consisted of waking up, breaking camp and learning the difficulties of a twiggy fire. Since every trip usually consists of a fire, we emphasize how to properly build one without destroying the area, and how to remove your traces. As part of the event, the group must boil their water over a twiggy fire and prepare enough oatmeal for each person. This, as usual, provides to be a challenge getting enough heat to boil the water. Once breakfast was prepared, we hiked back to the dining hall for the conclusion of the weekend. Back at the dining hall, we covered a few more points, completed a few more skits, and then had a huge question and answer session for anybody wanting more.

After wrapping up the presentations, the camp provided brunch for the group, which consisted of scrambled eggs, corned beef hash, hash browns, bacon, and biscuits. Following the brunch, everyone packed their belongings, and then we held the LNT graduation for everyone. They all received brochures, magazines, stickers, and contact information for more information.

We could not have asked for better weather, a better group of people, or a better place to hold the event. For those that missed, maybe next year. If anyone has any question or would like to get more information, feel free to ask questions too.