HAPPY CAMPERS

In short order, we are entering the most dangerous time of year for watersports paddlers. Why? Because we will have warm days, and the water we seek to paddle will be dangerous to an unprotected paddler.

1. What is the top safety concern with specific regard to cold water exposure? (ie. What is it about cold water that presents the most life threatening opportunity?)
2. What is the definition of cold water?
3. What are my mitigation strategy options to lower my risk while paddling in cold water?

I will hold a zoom meeting on Cold Water Paddling Safety. I will send out the link the day before the meeting.
This presentation is designed to inform paddlers of the dangers of swimming in cold water unprotected, explain strategies to mitigate the danger, and share very useful videos to paint a clear picture of the impact of such a swim. It is also intended to be shared. I will send out a PDF copy of the presentation, after the meeting.

To attend, please send me your email address. Mine is listed below. I will send out the Zoom link a day or so ahead of the meeting. Pay no attention to ANY meeting links in this notice.

Thanks,
George
214-909-7000
purduegeorge@gmail.com

THE LODGE IS CURRENTLY FULL*

THIS GROUP IS FOR THOSE WHO WILL BE STAYING IN THE LAUREL LODGE. This is so we know who all is staying in the lodge & we can communicate through this event. We will be staying Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights, February 5th to Sunday February 8th 2026.

While the lodge is co-ed, bedrooms will be women-only or men-only. (With the exception of couples or pre-approved co-ed sleeping arrangements.) There are separate bathrooms for the men and separate bathrooms for the women.

There are a total of 8 bedrooms: There are 4 rooms with one queen bed. And there are 4 rooms that have 2 twin beds plus a queen bed. The cost is $171.50 per room for the 3-day weekend. If you'd like a whole room to yourself (only the rooms with a queen bed can be booked for the whole room), the cost is $171.50. If you'd like to share a room, the cost will be less.

You will be placed on the wait list until payment is received. Once I receive your payment, you will be marked as "going" to the Laurel Lodge. Room assignments will be chosen based on the order payment is received.

**While there are no refunds once payment has been made, you are able to transfer your spot to someone another Happy Camper. (Note that the transfer must be made to someone of the same gender as you since the rooms are women-only or men-only rooms and they must be a current member of Happy Campers.)

**Everyone is responsible for cleaning up after themselves. (Food, dishes, etc.) The park system doesn't offer daily housekeeping services.

We can get into the lodge at 4pm. Please do not arrive before then. Check-out is by 11:00am on Sunday.

We will have a potluck BRUNCH
Friday morning if there’s enough interest. We will be hosting a potluck dinner for the whole group on both Friday and Saturday nights. The potluck will begin each night at 6:30. Everyone who participates is expected to clean up after themselves. Also, other members of the group will likely hang out in the Laurel Lodge. This will provide everyone with a central gathering area for meeting people and for getting to know one another better.

Please be sure to join the main event through Happy Campers: Join me at Lake Hope Cabins near the lodge https://meetu.ps/e/NRRWf/rT9xF/i

By attending this event you agree to Happy Camper's legal liability waiver. Link to waiver:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13PF30B_XI1p_dhSz0uGFsVW_DCL2YnYFhdG2uq0wqwE/edit?usp=sharing

Covid 19 waiver: By attending this event, You agree to hold Greg Hull, Amber Evans, Happy Campers, and all attendees harmless from any and all effects of infection. In addition, everyone is responsible for their own social distancing and protection.

By attending this event you agree to take responsibility for your own health and safety.

A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE GOING ON THURSDAY.

WE CAN BOOK CABINS A YEAR IN ADVANCE

We have the Laurel Lodge rented again so if anyone is interested in staying in it, please message Angel (aka Amber) or visit the Meetup for more info: https://www.meetup.com/happycampers/events/306027695/?notificationId=%3Cinbox%3E%21119976642-1739119362882&eventOrigin=notifications
The lodge can accommodate up to 24 people.

The tribe needs to stay together so book your cabin as soon as possible and as close as you can to the dining lodge. Laurel Lodge is beside it the dining lodge.

Let the fun begin!
Photos for last year:
https://www.meetup.com/happycampers/photos/34297339/

Friday & Saturday 6:30 pm Group Dinner at the Lake Hope dining lodge or Pot Luck Dinner at Laurel Lodge. **Anyone who participates in the potluck is responsible for doing their own dishes & for putting away their food.**
Sunday 10:00 am group brunch at the dining lodge.

https://lakehopelodge.com/
There will be a nature hike Saturday at 10:00. I have downloaded a map with the location of the meeting place for the hike. Trail running shoes or hiking boots are required. Traction devices on your boots will be required if there is snow or ice. Trekking poles are recommended but not required.

Group campfire 8:00 Friday and Saturday night at Laurel Lodge. Bring firewood and a lawn chair. You must be a member to attend this event. If you have a guest, have them join the group.

Reservations will be handled directly thru Ohio State Parks (on your own). I think they range from $80 to-100. They are mostly 2 bedrooms. Some of the bedrooms have bunk beds in case you want to share a cabin. Check-in is 4:00 PM and Check-Out is at 11:00.

Lake Hope Lodge
https://lakehopelodge.com/

Cabin information:
Link to reserve a cabin.
https://www.reserveohio.com/OhioCampWeb/Facilities/SearchViewUnitAvailabity.aspx
When reserving – please try to get as close as you can to the dining lodge - COT22 thru COT41. That way we will be in the same section.

Some cabins allow pets. Check details when making reservations. If your dog shows any signs of aggression, do not bring it. No pets at the campfire.

If you are open to receiving people stopping by at your cabin put a HAPPY CAMPER sign outside your cabin.

There are no restaurants (except the lodge) or grocery stores close.

Also, it is unlikely that you will get cell phone coverage in this area. Print maps before you come. The lodge does have wi-fi.

By attending this event you agree to Happy Camper's legal liability waiver. Link to waiver:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13PF30B_XI1p_dhSz0uGFsVW_DCL2YnYFhdG2uq0wqwE/edit?usp=sharing

If you are a heavy drinker you may not be a fit for the group. Most of our members are moderate drinkers.

Covid 19 waiver: By attending this event, You agree to hold Greg Hull, Happy Campers, and all attendees harmless from any and all effects of infection. In addition, everyone is responsible for their own social distancing and protection.

By attending this event you agree to the HAPPY CAMPER liability waiver.

By attending this event you agree to take responsibility for your own health and safety.