Pennsix XL Camp Thoughts
Pennsic Camp Thoughts:
This was one of my favorite all time Pennsic Camps. That said, here are thoughts to improve things.
Land Grab, at least with the current tech we have can not be accomplished by just two folks, ever again. That was the suck. We need to come up with a better fall back plan for next year.
Next year, I’m there for two weeks if I can manage it.
The shower tent and placement is being completely redesigned. Kim and I are already working on a plan. The sheer number of man hours it takes to set up the current system is unacceptable. The new system will take a fraction of the time to set up, weight a lot less and be in permanent storage. Acquiring the new platforms from Wm the Younger is a nice step in the right direction. Should be easy to design the new frame around them.
Plumbing worked great but we need to invest in some shorter lines. Also consider moving the hot water heater and gas. Also, longer gas line. We will need to purchase propane next year for sure.
New kitchen facet was a hit, need to get another one for cold water.
I loved the kitchen lay out. It was perfect this year. Everything had a place.
Melisent is ‘meh’ about the propane oven so that might not occur next year.
Kegarator is a go for next year. Just have to start working out the design. The savings in ice will pay for it in two years.
We threw away 40’ of sheet walls that had been damaged by mold. Painted sheet walls will be the big Winter Project. Planning and scheming. Babs has junk fabric for a back up plan if that fails.
This year we will actually need to have Camp Workweekends again to get projects completed.
While being small had set up challenges here is what I liked about the smaller numbers in camp:
No chore list. Everyone worked without being asked. Folks jockeyed to do dishes and take out the trash.
Meal Plan was a lot easier to cook for just 8ish.
I loved going back to the simple (ala old Mooselodge: Protein, veggie, starch) meal plan. Nothing fancy, just good, filling camp food. Melisent did a great job with that.
Ice for personal coolers has unofficially become part the food/camp money plan. This needs to be looked at and fees most likely need to go up.
We need to invest in new tiki torches. We don’t have enough light in camp at night. Also, I’m going to look into replacing the table lanterns with tap lights for 2013/2014. We have enough oil inserts for a least one more year.
Kiddie pool needs to be moved in to the sun for more direct sunlight to warm it.
If I go up for AE War Practice again I need to spray for poison ivy in the ghetto.
New placement for field tent was awesome. Have to get that spot next year. Also, need to get paid parking space again. If we bump up in fighters/campers we need to move to a bigger field tent. 12x24 could work for that if I get my new 15x15 and the Star Chamber becomes the new Dining Tent.
We need some banners/standards on the fighting field. Tent was too plain.
Need to get some new green garden fence pieces. Threw several bent ones away and need a couple of taller ones for the new sheet walls.
This was one of my favorite all time Pennsic Camps. That said, here are thoughts to improve things.
Land Grab, at least with the current tech we have can not be accomplished by just two folks, ever again. That was the suck. We need to come up with a better fall back plan for next year.
Next year, I’m there for two weeks if I can manage it.
The shower tent and placement is being completely redesigned. Kim and I are already working on a plan. The sheer number of man hours it takes to set up the current system is unacceptable. The new system will take a fraction of the time to set up, weight a lot less and be in permanent storage. Acquiring the new platforms from Wm the Younger is a nice step in the right direction. Should be easy to design the new frame around them.
Plumbing worked great but we need to invest in some shorter lines. Also consider moving the hot water heater and gas. Also, longer gas line. We will need to purchase propane next year for sure.
New kitchen facet was a hit, need to get another one for cold water.
I loved the kitchen lay out. It was perfect this year. Everything had a place.
Melisent is ‘meh’ about the propane oven so that might not occur next year.
Kegarator is a go for next year. Just have to start working out the design. The savings in ice will pay for it in two years.
We threw away 40’ of sheet walls that had been damaged by mold. Painted sheet walls will be the big Winter Project. Planning and scheming. Babs has junk fabric for a back up plan if that fails.
This year we will actually need to have Camp Workweekends again to get projects completed.
While being small had set up challenges here is what I liked about the smaller numbers in camp:
No chore list. Everyone worked without being asked. Folks jockeyed to do dishes and take out the trash.
Meal Plan was a lot easier to cook for just 8ish.
I loved going back to the simple (ala old Mooselodge: Protein, veggie, starch) meal plan. Nothing fancy, just good, filling camp food. Melisent did a great job with that.
Ice for personal coolers has unofficially become part the food/camp money plan. This needs to be looked at and fees most likely need to go up.
We need to invest in new tiki torches. We don’t have enough light in camp at night. Also, I’m going to look into replacing the table lanterns with tap lights for 2013/2014. We have enough oil inserts for a least one more year.
Kiddie pool needs to be moved in to the sun for more direct sunlight to warm it.
If I go up for AE War Practice again I need to spray for poison ivy in the ghetto.
New placement for field tent was awesome. Have to get that spot next year. Also, need to get paid parking space again. If we bump up in fighters/campers we need to move to a bigger field tent. 12x24 could work for that if I get my new 15x15 and the Star Chamber becomes the new Dining Tent.
We need some banners/standards on the fighting field. Tent was too plain.
Need to get some new green garden fence pieces. Threw several bent ones away and need a couple of taller ones for the new sheet walls.