Native / Modern Tactical Wilderness Survival Weekend - Intermediate

We had so much fun while teaching and learning so much info last time, this will be the next step.
If you did not attend the last one, you are still welcome to come on out with us this time around. Kids of a an age and mindset to pay attention are welcome provided their parent or gaurdian keeps an eye on them and they can focus on the topics at hand. $5.00 per person , here is the plan:

Friday 3:30 pm, those leaving from the Philly/Jersey area will meet at Liberty Land Park along 3rd street near Poplar in 19123. We will take a head count, tie small white ribbons onto our car antennae (to help others stick together on the highway) and begin rolling out of the city by 5:45 in an orderly procession. Please do not be late. Please arrive with a FULL TANK OF GAS for your vehicle. The lead and rear drivers will be in contact with each other at all times. We'll take either rt 676 or Girard Ave (depending on traffic conditions)to rt 76west.
Friday 4:30 pm the caravan will arrive at the second meeting point for the Montco/Chestco folks to join the train. Chille's restaurant located at rt 202 and South Gulph rd across from the KOP Mall. The reformed group will then proceed onto rt 422west. Just past Pottstown we will turn onto rt 724 for a few miles. A couple of twists and turns and we should arrive at the site by 5 - 5:15pm.

If you wish to get there on your own, then please just let me know ahead of time. Remember the cell service is shoddy, GPS is recommended ( as a second to sticking together of course) lest we have to sent out a search party to find you if you're lost.
The exact site is Organized Group Tent Site # 10 in French Creek State Park.

https://www.dcnr.state... (https://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/frenchcreek/frenchcreek_mini.pdf)

The site is not clearly listed on most of the maps however ogt site #10 is located off of Fire Tower rd 1/8 mile north of Scotts Run rd , Elverson, Berks, Pennsylvania 19520. Please share this info with your loved ones at home.

The site has a nearby parking lot where our vehicles will be parked, our gear must be carried up a mild yet rocky hill for a few dozen feet. I will provide a utility wagon with good tires to assist those that need a little help lugging stuff around.
There is a hand pump well for water in the parking area, however we will establish a hand and face Washing Station with pure soap and clean towels. Clean, sterile wash water will be maintained throughout the weekend. We will also set up Power and Cooking Stations. The power can be used by anyone to recharge cell phones ( reception is flaky up there) .

The Cooking Station will be a collection of propane camp stoves on a sturdy table. Whatever food or drinks that you bring that require cooking/heating/boiling can be safely prepared here. I will ensure that plenty of propane is on hand as well as matches and fire extinguishers. These stations are open to you at anytime. If you have a camp stove you are welcome to share it at the table.
Your tent site should be set up right away and your gear placed where you want it. If you need assistance with your tent, there will be plenty of others to help you just after they have set up their own. If you want to eat after that then have at it.

Hurricane lamps with Citronella oil will be placed around the site for some degree of lighting and pest control. Be sure to have a good amoount of bug spray, be mindful of ticks . There will be doctors, nurses and at first responders in attendance. We will have a comprehensive medical kit including an EpiPen for anaphylactic shock , also the nearest hospital is Pottstown General. It is a 15- 20 minute trip from our site for a motivated driver.

Of course we will take all precautions to avoid any injuries , however you do participate under your own volition and at your own risk. Again children under 18 years are sole responsibility of the parent and MUST REMAIN WITH THAT PARENT AT ALL TIMES WITHOUT EXCEPTION. Please and thank you.
Friday 9pm - While kids and adults are roasting marshmallows, John Kennedy will then give a fireside tutorial on proper knive sharpening technique.
Extra sharpening stones will be on hand.

Saturday 7:30am - Wake up and Breakfast
Whatever you bring to start your day, get it in you and CLEAN UP before 9am.

We will start covering the following topics at 9 am , breaking for lunch and dinner throughout the day.

Water -
A brief hike down to a stream will kick of the activities ! You will have the opportunity to draw, clean and disinfect and drink your water right then and there using the methods reviewed.
Shelter -
We will focus on making debris shelters from natural materials on hand in the wilderness, what principles you should know with regard to insulation , waterproofing, bugs & critters, etc. Then we will articulate a few methods for using the contents of your Survival Kit. Again we will deal with what you need to know to adequately protect yourself and loved ones from heat , cold and wet exposure. After that we will split into very small groups ( unless you wish to go it alone ) and you will construct your own primitive or modern shelter with the guidance and support of the instructors.

Consider sleeping in your freshly made shelter for that evening.

Fire -
The fuels, starting mechanisms (primitive and modern ), construction and control of the fire will be reviewed here in a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. You will be collecting the wood and tinder , then starting your own fire with something other than a match or lighter.

Food -
The topic of wild edible vegatation is simply to vast for us to cover here, we will touch on it but focus in on hunting with traps, snares and spears for fish, birds , frogs and smaller game. Meat smoking and drying methods are going to be demonstrated. There will be many examples for you to study and then we will again split up into small groups to fashion these traps and snares for yourself with our assistance. We will not be actively attempting to catch animals on this trip. The snares and traps will be dismantled and no trace of our activity will be left. They will however be tested for function.

Review and Feedback - Roasting the last of the marshmallows and enjoying each other's company!

Sunday 12 pm - Be packed up and ready to roll out. There are trash and recycling receptacles in the lot. You are responsible for every single bit of your own mess. Your car should be packed and prepared to leave at noon sharp.

Here is a MUST HAVE list for the weekend:

• Positive , patient and respectful attitude towards others and a desire to learn what is being taught. If your kid or partner is not really into it then please leave them at home. If you bring music then keep it low to your space and shut it down when others retire to sleep. This should be a pleasant and drama free trip for everyone.
• Full tank of gas in your car.
• Tent and bedding
• Sharp knife. A locking blade is safer to work with. A partially serrated blade increases your cutting power.
• Water/ drinks 2 gallons per person
  ( water is available from hand pump well on site, but bleach is needed to sterilize it.)
• Food you will want to eat. Think easy to make and carry. suggestions:
  Peanut butter and jelly/ tuna and crackers / cereal and milk ( canned or in cooler ) /preseasoned meat&veggie kabobs wrapped in foil to cook on the fire / lots of granola bars / dehydrated meals that you add water to/ dried meats and cheese, etc. If you need a pot or pan then bring it. Consider a cooler with frozen drinks to act as ice. Also consider freezing Saturday's dinner if it is suitable, that way it thaws in time but will not spoil. Preboiling potatoes is preferred as they take a long time to cook thoroughly. If you don't have camp cookware you may think about paper plates and cups.
• Flashlight , one for each person . LED is highly recommended.
  ( if not a crank powered one the make sure the batteries are fresh)
• Medicine/ inhaler if applicable. If you are diabetic or asthmatic then be ready to deal with it. Let me know of any health conditions ahead of time including severe allergies or history of seizures.
  Here is a SHOULD HAVE list for the weekend :
  A complete Survival Kit, A-Z ( see posted list from many previous meetups)
• Boots. There is a fair amount of rocky terrain and ankle support may prevent injury. Heavy duty sandals may work, but please avoid flipflops and crocs.
• Bug repellent. I highly recommend Lemon Eucalyptus oil. Repel sells it in small bottles. https://www.repel.com/... .
  You can find it at REI . It is 100% nontoxic and tests better than DEET and Skin So Soft for staving off mosquitoes , biting flies and ticks. It lasts for several hours and never fails me or my kin. If you don't bring some kind of spray you will most likely regret it. Also the less "perfumed" you are , the fewer bees you will attract.
• Folding chair. There are benches and logs in addition to the ground to sit on, you will like the chair better.
• Toilet paper and paper towels. TP will most likely be provided abundantly by the park staff but it is better to be safe than sorry. Paper towels can go into the fire.
• Wet wipes. No showers on our site.
• Gloves. A pair that will help to protect you when gathering wood or carving sticks for snares. It would be great if we can go the whole weekend without a cut finger.

If you have a tent or tent space to share and or car space then talk to me now so that I can help a smooth transaction along.
Please program my number into your phone now and feel free to leave it with your loved ones at home incase they cannot reach you out there. My service definitely works up there but others don't. Please have my number with you before Friday Sept 3rd at 3:30 pm. If there are anomalies or snags in the plan we can work them out.

Any questions?
Fernando
215.868.4743