BSA’s TMR Family Camp: What to Expect…..

Family Camp is nestled in the remote mountains of northwestern NYS. Located approximately 15 miles from the site of the original 1969 Woodstock Music & Arts Fair in White Lake, NY, Family Camp is as peaceful and relaxing a place as can be found anywhere in NYS. It situates halfway between White Lake, NY and Narrowsburg, NY. The cabins are all within a stone’s throw from Lake Nianque, have electricity and sleep five. Each cabin comes equipped with a refrigerator, 4-burner stove/oven, kitchen sink, and bathroom with toilet, shower and sink. Each family needs to supply their own bedding, cooking utensils, and bathroom necessities, as well as food, etc.

In Family Camp, the daily schedule opens with morning boating and swimming from 10:00 A.M. until Noon. Then there is afternoon swimming from 2:00 to 4:30 P.M. With staff dinner time slated from 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M., there is evening boating from 6:30 P.M. till dusk. There are Row-boats, Paddle-boats, Canoes, and Paddle-Rafts, all included in the cabin rental fee. Quite often Wednesday morning opens at 6:30 A.M. with a Polar-Bear Swim. Monday’s Dinner time features an optional Pot-Luck Dinner at the Family Camp “Main-Tent”. Each evening presents an event at the Family Camp Trading Post Tent. Sunday evening brings mandatory Orientation followed by an Ice-Cream Social (free bowl of ice cream, vanilla, chocolate or strawberry). On other evenings Bingo, Arts & Crafts, and Gaming Night are also scheduled.

During each weekday, there is also a scheduled event in or near neighboring scout camps. One day may bring a mountain hike (weather permitting), which includes repelling and stops for unbelievable scenic views overlooking the Delaware River and the mountains of Pennsylvania. Pack your bag lunch, which is enjoyed at the end of the hike, where a dip in crystal clear Ten Mile River is in order. There is also a day for archery, a day for rifle and shot-gun shooting, a day for high and low-cope (often with zip-lining) at Camp Keowa. All these events are at no additional charge. All outdoor events are weather dependant, and are subject to rescheduling or cancelation due to safety concerns.

If there is enough participation to secure group rates, there is canoeing down the Delaware River (via Landers River Trips) for approximately $30 per head. Kayaking is usually an additional $2.00 per person.

It has become a custom (yet optional) for Pack 162 members to go to Carousel Park on Friday. It a small amusement park located in Pennsylvania, about 45 minutes from Family Camp. Group rate tickets come to about $18 per head for the day. Carousel Park has two water slides, a kiddy pool, go-carts, kiddy cars, bumper boats, and a miniature golf course. Lines are never long. Their arcade is available for cost per game. It is also customary (also optional) to then go into Honesdale, Pa. for dinner at either the Italian Restaurant, or the Chinese Buffet.

On Saturday, the Family Camp Water Front schedule is the same as weekdays, but there are typically no outpost activities because the schedules at the other camps are not geared to handle visitors. There is a closing barn-fire beginning at 9:00 P.M., where both the FC Staff and Family Campers entertain by doing skits and special performances.

Checkout is Sunday morning at 11:00 A.M. As you leave, please don't forget to clean your cabin in "Leave No Trace" fashion. Before departing, remember to visit the camp director to reserve your cabin for the following season.

Family Camp, I love Family Camp, Family Camp, It's the place to be.....

(Family Camp Etiquette)