Rafting and return trip

Hello! We had two absolutely gorgeous days of rafting! Our guides were great,the food delicious, the stars bright, the scenary fantastic, and almost everyone decided to swim in the cold, clear river water. We even got to see some mountain goats. The bus got on the road this evening after dinner around 7pm (Mountain Time). See you all tomorrow!

Work Days

The past few days the group spent working on various jobs around the camp. On the first day in the morning the group spent time inside vacuuming, cleaning carpets, rearranging the library and closets,cleaning the kitchen,doing laundry, and washing windows in the lodge due to the rain. The rest of the days the weather has been nice so we have spent time pulling weeds,moving lumber, pulling out rocks, rebuilding the fire-pit, creating a horse shoe pit, building fences and removing them, weedwacking, cleaning tables, cleaning grills, hanging up bee traps, cleaning out the shed, pulling out a dock, cutting down thistle, painting a room, building a rock wall, and rearranging a counselor's lodge. For fun the group did a high ropes course and blobbing on the lake. Last night the group was able to enjoy the newly finished fire-pit for worship with a campfire. Tonight we're off to the play "Singing in the Rain" in Bigfork. And tomorrow we're headed off to Glacier National Park for sightseeing and hiking.

We have arrived!

After about 24 hours of driving on the bus, stopping at the Corn Palace and Wall Drug in South Dakota we arrived safely yesterday around noon to Glacier Presbyterian Camp. The camp director and the staff gave the group a tour of the camp and we figured out what work needed to be done. The view from the lodge where we are staying is beautiful, looking right over Flathead Lake and the mountains. Last night for fun the group traveled to Bigfork to see a Bluegrass show and wander around the town. We ended the night with ice cream at Dairy Queen, which was a nice treat. Later on we concluded the night with a silent service in the camp's amphitheater overlooking the lake. Today is a work day, however, the weather has changed our plans since its raining quite heavily. So now the camp is looking for indoor jobs for the group to do.



"I miss my bed" - Jordan attempting to sleep on the bus ride


Our beautiful view from the lodge




Here's the group after arriving at one of the camp's amphitheater.



Senior High Tradition: If you're late you must sing the "I'm a Little Teapot" song in front of everyone.



The Bluegrass Band: Leftover Biscuits at Bigfork


Family photo of the Nelsons.

Changes to the packing list

The packing list posted on the website (below) has been updated, but just as a reminder there have been two minor, but important changes to the packing list:

* You will need more than one towel for the week. Pack at least two (if you make sure they get hung up to dry after each use, that should be enough).
* You will also need a way to carry your rafting trip clothes separate from your big suitcase and separate from your backpack. SO ... IF you have a small bag that can be laid flat in your suitcase, bring it. If not, just pack an extra garbage bag. That would work too - please don't go buy anything.

Itinerary Link

Here is a link to our itinerary (posted on Google Docs)

The lines didn't show up - sorry! Hopefully you can still figure it out.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE ITINERARY

Packing List

On Bus: you will be sleeping on the bus, so may want a change of clothes and toiletries

Wear comfy travel clothes (buses can be chilly)
Pack in a backpack (you will also use this for daytrips)
Contact lens case, solution, and prescription glasses (if applicable)
Any medication you take regularly (in original bottle)
Cash/Travelers Checks/ATM card
Picture Identification
Small blanket (optional)
Pillow
Earplugs (optional)
Music with earphones (optional)
Re-usable water bottle
Healthy snacks that travel well (trail mix, granola bars, apples, etc)
Writing tool of choice
Addresses and stamps for post cards (optional)
Wristwatch
Camera (optional)
Sunglasses
Flashlight or headlamp with new batteries

In suitcase:

TRIP T-SHIRT (will be given to you July 5th or 11th)
Work gloves
Closed-toe shoes for working
Socks (at least 5 pairs)
Comfortable walking shoes or appropriate sandals for hiking (NO FLIP FLOPS!)
You need 3 days of work clothes including: long pants and short or long sleeve t-shirts (old trip shirts are great!)
One nicer outfit for the play
Additional clothes for evenings & daytrips
Underwear
Appropriate pajamas
Plastic bag for dirty laundry
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Insect repellant
Personal Items -
In small bag that can be easily carried to shower area (shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary supplies, etc.)
No nail polish or remover. No perfume or cologne.
Shower shoes (flip flops ok)
2 Towels (note this is a change from the previous packing list)
Bedding –
Everyone will have a bed to sleep on but linens are not provided so you will need a sleeping bag OR a sheet and blanket.
Pillow (on bus)

ADDITIONAL RAFTING TRIP
ESSENTIALS
(Pack in suitcase)

You will be required by the rafting company to purchase these items if you do not bring them!

Gallon size or larger zip lock bags x 2
Extra bag or garbage bag (note this is a change from previous list)
Non-cotton (quick-dry) shorts or zip off pants
Swimsuit
1 set of non-cotton long underwear top AND bottom
1 mid weight fleece top (similar weight as a sweatshirt, but non-cotton)
1 mid weight fleece pant or non-cotton pant
1 warm polar fleece jacket
Water proof rain jacket AND rain pants
Warm stocking cap
Warm gloves
River sandals or sneakers
Eyeglass retention strap
1 non-cotton t-shirt
Sun hat or ball cap

Optional items:

Waterproof camera
Waterproof binoculars