Camp McLanlin

It is that time of year again to re-acquaint ourselves with the natural habitat that we share with all our furry friends.   Bears do live on Sumas Mountain and can become a problem if we don’t use some common sense and make sure we keep all food stuffs and garbage out of their reach.

Tips on how to be ‘bear smart’:

• Liquid Disposal Pits – pour boiling water into pit after each use and make sure there is no food on top cover.
• Keep all garbage in the can on your site and place in your locked cars or trucks overnight.  If you leave your sites even for a short period of time put the garbage cans in the pantry and lock the door.
• Do not bring food or odoured non-food items into your tent or hut – this includes toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant, body sprays and snacks, like chocolate bars.
• Do not sleep in the clothes you cooked in
• Wash dishes immediately after each meal
• Citronella products contain a compound that is very attractive to bears.  It would be best not to burn candles containing citronella or use any citronella based bug repellents on your person.

If you see a bear on your site or in camp: Let the caretaker know

Remain calm!

Often the bear is just passing through, and if it finds no food source, will simply move on. Making lots of noise will let the bear know that you are there and usually they move on as well.  They aren’t looking for people…. Just food.

Keep well away

Never approach a bear.  Do not crowd the bear – give it plenty of space and a safe avenue of escape.  Bring the children inside.

Never Feed A Bear!

Let the bear know it is not welcome!

Do not allow the bear to feel comfortable in “your territory”, not even for a photo opportunity.  Assess the situation and ensure the bear has a clean and safe avenue of escape.  Show the bear your human presence from a secure position.  Stand facing the bear; making yourself look as big as possible. Use a firm tone of voice to make it feel uncomfortable and encourage it to leave.   Blow the air horn, or bang pots and pans.

Parking

Parking is limited, please park only at the site you are camping at, in designated spots

Damage

All rentals are responsible for any damage done while at camp, Costs for repair that exceed the $250.00 damage deposit will be billed after camp.

Creek

The creek is  out of bounds at all time –NO wading or bathing as this is a water source for residences downstream and as well as  a spawning stream

Water

Water is available at all sites and is tested on a regular basis by the Public Health unit- if water is unsafe the booking agent will notify you prior to camp. Conserve energy and water, water is on a pump

Garbage and recycling

All garbage, recyclables paper and cardboard is to be taken home at end of camp. Do not leave garbage outside at any time, DO NOT use the caretakers garbage can located at the gates into camp

Campfires

NEW – Campfires are allowed from October 1st – May 31st.

No fires allowed from June 1st – September 30th.

Campfires are permitted at Camp McLanlin small controlled campfires in designated fire pits only. There are propane campfires available through the caretaker- they need to be signed out and returned at check out. Propane fuel is not provided.

Pets

Pets are NOT allowed at camp- this is a BC provincial Health regulation.

Smoking

Is not allowed in the buildings, bring receptacle for ashes and take home after camp

Alcohol

Is not allowed on site when girls are present

Hospital

Nearest hospital is Abbotsford (604) 851-4700 32900 Marshall Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 0C2

Crests

Crests are available from the caretaker with the cost included in your final invoice. Crests need to be chosen and picked up on Saturday and not at check-out.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables- are secured in place – do not move them as this will damage the tables and the ground around them.

During your stay at Camp McLanlin, you will find a variety of natural and supplied activities to enjoy! We hope you can add these to your Camp Program to enhance your camping experience.

ARCHERY Bows and arrows can be signed out from the caretaker upon arrival or during your stay at the camp. The Archery range is situated just past the ‘barn’ on your way from Robin’s Roost going toward Marion’s Manor.

**If you are unfamiliar with Archery we suggest you do some research before going to camp. The camp Caretakers will give you information on how to handle the equipment safely, but it is up to you to supervise the girls and provide guidance in the actual game of Archery. 

BOCCE BALL SETS Borrow our camp Bocce set and let the girls loose on the flat grassy areas, a real classic game all can play!

FRISBEE GOLF Borrow the Frisbees from caretakers and set up the ‘golf’ tees, lots of excitement, lots of fun!

GADGET BAMBOO Enough bamboo sticks to build a fortress, or many individual large gadgets! Bring your string & rope to lash them into magnificent creations! Sticks are stored on side of barn for easy access.

BADMINTON Who doesn’t love the challenge of a good game of badminton, equipment is available from the caretakers.

GEOCACHING Due to security reasons we do not have an official registered Geocache on the camp property, but you can set up your own on site, and let the girls use their GPS to find them, and removing them upon departing camp, or reference local neighbouring caches offsite. Camp McLanlin has 7 private caches on site. Preprogrammed GPS units are available from the caretaker.

FLAGS – Borrow a real Flag Kit from caretakers, comes with Canadian Flag, and instructions/history on flag raising ceremonies for small and large groups. Please remember to return the flag in clean & dry condition or allow caretaker to hang to dry upon return of Flag kit – available July 2012

CAMP MAC CHALLENGE Can you find all the answers to these sights and places all around the campsite? If you can answer all of them, your reward is the Camp MAC Challenge Crest!!

Multiple challenges are available.

Any group staying at Camp McLanlin must have a representative per site booked, be   orientated to the site.   That may be just a phone call for some, or it may include an onsite orientation.   The representative must be in attendance for the duration of their camp and must be checked in and out by the Caretaker or their designate.  Upon arrival at camp, an accurate participants list must be presented to the caretaker; including any resource people coming up for the day. 

***No list, No keys***

Remember this camp belongs to all of us, please show respect when using it.

Check in is from 3:00 pm; if you are going to be later than 7:00 please call Andrew at 604-852-4158.

Please look for any damaged or missing items when checking in and report them to the caretaker immediately or there is a possibility that your unit will be charged.

Confirm time with caretaker at arrival what time the group would like to check out; Times are on a first come first served policy. Expect the checkout time to be between 20-30 minutes. At checkout time there should be two adults present (one being the check in person). All the girls (except those going home with these people) should be gone.

Make sure that everything is in its place (re-check if parents are cleaning) and the checkout sheet is completed

The site will be inspected by the Caretaker and approval must be given to release the damage deposits.

Units are responsible for any damage to the site (not caused by nature) and damaged or missing items present at time of check out, these will be charged on the invoice or taken from the damage deposit.

Camp McLanlin – Needs and Wishes

Are you wanting to do service work and help with the maintenance and development in keeping Camp McLanlin going?    Here’s the list for you!  Check it out.   This list is in no particular order…!  If you are interested and can help,  please email  campmac@fraserskiesgirlguides.com and someone will get back to you asap.

1)     Saw downed trees into appropriate lengths for fire pits/wood stoves – specialized skill and equipment needed

2)     Create new benches with sawn log pieces and lumber for designated spots – equipment needed

3)     Split wood into appropriate sizes for the fire pits/wood stoves – specialized skill- may need your own equipment

4)     Move wood sawn to appropriate wood sheds and stack – girl friendly

5)     Pick up and burn in the fire pits, (Oct. 31- May 31 only) all fall down sticks/branches in and around each of the campsites- girl friendly – may need equipment to make the sticks smaller

6)     Rake and prune back brush from any/all trails – girl friendly – equipment may be needed

7)     Wash windows – girl friendly – equipment needed

8)     Clean kitchen shelves – remove all dishes, wash down shelves and return to normal – girl friendly – equipment needed

9)     Scrub kitchen floors in residences – girl friendly – equipment needed

10)  Scrub main hall floor in Marion’s Manor – girl friendly – equipment needed

11)  Wipe down baseboards in buildings – girl friendly – equipment needed

12)  Wash all bunks (RR, MM, and Sherwood) with soap and water – girl friendly – equipment needed

13)  Paint all wooden picnic benches – specialized equipment needed

14)  Clean chapel/meditation area and chimes. 

15)  Create and put in place a new geo cache game

16)  Create and put in place a new challenge game

17)  Create and put in place a new “game in a box”

18)  Create your own project –  contact campmac@fraserskiesgirlguides.com  maybe a one shot thing or regularly  ongoing….!

19)  Join the Camp McLanlin Committee as a working member….  

·       Currently pressing need for a Secretary

·       Currently need a ‘service work’ liaison