5th Annual Families Paddle, Too
Again this year, Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground, Carolina Canoe Club and Foothills Paddling Club are sponsoring Families Paddle, Too, which is open to all paddling families. The event is designed to help families that paddle develop a paddling network for future trips. As we all know, kids prefer to paddle with other kids. This event is a great way for your kid(s) to get connected with other kids.
When: May 27 -30, 2016, Memorial Day Weekend
Where: Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground, Bryson City, NC
Cost: 1 child free (18 and under) with each paying adult. Adult camping fee is $12 per adult per night on a numbered tent site and $10 per adult per night in the group camping area. Group camping will be beyond the bath house like last year. Late check out is 6 pm on Monday.
Contact Terry and Debbie Haughton for campsite and additional information at:
Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground
755 East Alarka Rd
Bryson City NC 28713
828-488-3672
smokymtnmeadows.com
Each morning we will meet to discuss river/lake options. I am hopeful that we will have enough folks to volunteer to lead trips. In the past, we have had trips from beginner trips on Lake Fontana to advanced trips on the Ocoee River. Typical favorites are the beginner-friendly town section of the Tuckasegee River, the Tuck Gorge section of the Tuckasegee River and the Nantahala River. Start thinking about trips you are willing to lead and trips your children may be interested in.
Again this year, Terry and Debbie have planned some great evening activities for us. New this year is the Saturday Wiffel ball tournament at 6 pm. Oh!, don’t forget the kid’s favorite: the Saturday night Hayride at 8 pm. I actually think the adults enjoyed it as much as the kids. Then Sunday, we will have a toe tapping time at 7 pm with live music. Bring a chair or blanket for the concert.
Carolina Canoe Club and Foothills Paddling Club have donated some funds for some other activities. If we want a group dinner, we need folks to plan it. We had some folks last year do a nice group dinner with hot dogs. We also had a family organize an ice cream social. I still remember the big ice cream sundae I made last year. How about a river safety rodeo? We could all use some work on our rope throwing and z –drag skills.
Please think about ways you can volunteer to make this a successful event for all the families who attend. If you have an idea, then go for it. You can connect me for additional information
Brent Summerfield
Bsummerfield@bellsouth.net
Facebook page: Families Paddle Too
All participants in any Carolina Canoe Club (CCC) trip do so as common adventurers. The CCC or its individual members may coordinate paddling trips but no one is considered leader of a trip. As common adventurers, all participants take the responsibility for making their own decisions including, but not limited to, whether it is safe for them to participate on any particular water body, what equipment they need and use, the routes they may choose to paddle, whether their skill levels and abilities are adequate for the activity or whether climate and water conditions are appropriate for their participation. Participants are exclusively responsible for their own safety.
Individual coordinators for all CCC activities set requirements per their sole discretion. The CCC does not necessarily endorse or approve requirements set by coordinators.