Testing the waters to see if we have any interest in a group encampment to test our gear. Tentatively planning for somewhere in Wisconsin and open to individuals and families from the surrounding states. Plan is to be established on Friday and returning home on Sunday. Date: June 26-28, 2020
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If you build it.......
Another great movie, I'm in talks with a few people on this. The date corresponds with the ARRL Amateur Radio Field Day which is when radio operators nation wide field test their emergency or backup radio stations. Some operating from county emergency operations centers on backup generators, some operating as vehicle rovers and some are crazy enough to take over a group site at a state forest and for 72 hours it somewhat looks like a Communications Outpost...I'm shooting for the Crazy Insane.
Ok. Maybe I think differently than most... Test gear as in B.O.B. /pack or as in Como? If Como, I have no gear but would Love to learn.
Most B.O.B gear is things you'd use in a camping setting, cutting tool, water container, mess kit, etc so if you want to test how well your Sawyer Mini filters "clean" river water, or whatever. Maybe learn or refresh your map and compass reading through a short land navigation class and demonstration. It's a short weekend so time management between learning, doing, and enjoyment of the event will be interesting what we can put together in a 72 hour span. As for Commo gear, if you have it bring it, if not.. there'll be a fully functional Communications center for you to get your feet wet. Tentatively planning on ham (both HF & VHF/UHF) SSB CB station, and a GMRS/FRS station Probably housed in a repurposed car port, bring your shelter, sleeping system, pray for sunshine, prepare for rain etc. We have about ten month lead time so it's not a rushing thing.
UPDATE: talked with the Wisconsin DNR regarding the possible use of the outdoor Group site inside the Black River State Forest. The site has on site water, and toilets and has an occupancy limit of 50 People. A daily itinerary will be made available prior to deployment. Because of the nature of the encampment I'm suspecting a reservation and Special Event permit will be required.
The site will be for our exclusive use though we may have visitors from the general public and local press as part of the ARRL field day event. Based on initial responses it seems best to use this site as it's centrally located between all current parties. I wish to formally invite
Nothing has been set in stone other than the dates. June 26-28 with advance setup taking place Thursday afternoon on June 25, 2020
Love this! Thanks
Who is Who? Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. What are yours? Are you the Commo person? Good with a map and compass? Maybe you can turn rice and beans into a culanary masterpiece! It's important because you want the best information available to meet the requirements for the task. So please share your thoughts on the role you see yourself in. First Aid, navigation, shelter craft, camp cook, Communications?
Ok I will go first, I'm not a Ranger, though I'm willing to lead the way. My strength is Communications, Land and Sea navigation and chart compass use. My weaknesses include lack of sleep.
My Weakness: Land Nav. Commo. My left knee and Homemade Cookies!
I declare...you think around corners as much as i do. And voice them better. Excellent example.
As requested. The purpose of the proposed
use of the Outdoor Group site inside the Black River State Forest is, in part, to establish an ARRL field day station during the dates of June 25-28, 2020. I am seeking any information regarding the prohibition or limitations regarding the erection of the temporary antennas and supporting structures. This will also include electrical grounding for the station in accordance with best amateur radio practices. The proposal for the station is an antenna support system of three guyed down telescopic antenna masts with the tallest being fifty feet in height and two other 20 or 30 foot masts. The American Radio Relay League holds "Field Day" every year on the 3rd weekend of June to test emergency preparedness Communications by volunteer Amateur Radio operators. It is in this spirit that the group of friends is seeking the information regarding prohibition or limitations of having a field day station as part of the gathering. Power for the station will be provided by solar power as Primary and if permitted, a portable generator as a secondary system. The station is the most sophisticated part of the camp and will be housed in a repurposed fabric carport. Group kitchen will be be housed under a canopy of 10x10 and individual shelters will be common tents. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration regarding this project and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely
the email sent today to the forest superintendent
Trying to keep everyone in the loop. Currently there are some unknowns but I'll include those in the planning so if those unknowns don't manifest we're well prepared for the things that do manifest themselves.
The site, for planning purposes, is inside a Wisconsin State Forest and does require admission fees. The current fee for out of state users per vehicle is $38. In addition there is a daily use option for $10 per day per vehicle 25-28 is four days so $40 counting arrival and departure days.
Reservation fee for the dates above is $187.75 for the group
The DNR may require a special event permit for the radio station, I've taken it upon myself to pay for that permit as it will be my personal station so no worries there. (Note: FCC rules prohibit acception of any compensation for the use of Amateur Stations so don't even think about it :))
The outdoor group site has no electricity and is more of a rustic camp with water and pit vault toilets though if you have a camp shower it'll be helpful, wet wipes or biodegradable soaps may also be used.
Currently the count is 8-10 individuals spread out between WI, MN, IA.
In addition the site is limited to 50 campers and 12 vehicles. This is not limited to members of the forum, so if you're thinking of attending by all means bring friends or family member who would also be interested in meeting up with fellow like minded individuals.
Glad, so glad we're planning this far in advance. Getting ducks in a row is what it's all about. Some of these ducks have fallen in place, others are being elusive and will take time to get in line.
Those who have already put time and energy into the planning phase THANK YOU so very much. Your Dedication to the cause and your efforts to achieve this goal cannot be under stated. We have found a number of great people here at Bear Independent
Ran across the worst type of person and it's a life long friend. I find myself at a crossroads. Some information is needed here. The legalities of using public land vs private lands are showing their heads. Now, I personally want to make this happen, it's definitely a task for not only myself bbut for those who have offered up their time and energy and sometimes even a modest monitory contribution. So to keep people in the loop I called my friend and right after I spoke on the requirements I'm discovering, the immediate response was to forego the idea go to private land (a person's house) I'm at the crossroads of forge ahead, select an alternative location and cut out the nay Sayers and... double Down to complete the mission. As said before, if you build it...
A Google Map image of the site. North is Up. East of the site the road dead ends. North is the East Fork campground. South for more than 14 miles is forest, ATV trails and multiple land forms including Wildcat Mound ridge... West is Campground Rd. and additional forest.
Broader overview. You can now see the river in the NE corner, and a rough estimate of the distance between the outdoor camp and the east fork campground.
Good news, my personal shelter has arrived today.
What name does this longhouse go by?
Midway USA
Hey P.T. good stuff hope this meet up works. I am working on something similar thing down around Ohio. to be announced.. You may know this but if not.. Waterproof ALL stitched seams. With seam sealant not the spray but it brushes on. I am sealing up a new bivy this weekend. I slept in it good little bivy great for the price but the manufacture even recommend sealing the seams (where the stitching is) or has been done. Or it will void my warranty. Gave my old beat up bivy to a friends boy. Unless you get the high dollar equiptment. And of the tent from Midway is like mine average, but nice will usually leak. I hate leaks.... I would spray tent again with scotch guard or equivalent. . I use a ground cloth inside also, I us Tyvec house wrap on the ground inside or out side people like it different way's. you can get small cut up rolls at big box or hardware store and split it up in a group..Rally keep moisture out. I would Highly recommend the seam sealant where stitched if nothing else. Just Saying.. You folks party on or I should say prep, on .. Midway is great I have spent a lot of buck there... LAter
I was very lucky this weekend that it's raining right now. Testing for leaks, expecting to find them. Also have sealant on standby for the the sealing operation with special attention to the leaking areas. Both sealing inside and outside. Thanks for the tips.
Very good enjoy, may not want to seal inside if you cannot get good ventilation n the rain. As i am sure you have found out, depending on brand that stuff will get you head spun around. I was shocked my new bivy did not leak, bur it was nice mellow rain but it will stilled be sealed buy end of next wek.. LAter
I'm sure someone has thought omg he's opsecing nothing. And they are correct. I'm not opsecing anything at this point. Everything is laid out in the open because some may see how I'm doing this and maybe take away from my experience and improve. Ok with that said. Previously I've mentioned an alternate site. Though it's figuratively in my backyard tonight I did some reconnaissance and feel it's time to bring to light some details about it.
The site is leased from the county so it's technically private land. I've included a Google aerial photo. The site encompasses the two clearings in the northeast sector of the photo. For those who are still working on map reading, that'd be the upper right corner.
The entrance is gated and has a few on-site amenities which includes water and toilets. The two clearings have housed upwards of 300 campers.
If you have any questions wether or not you're planning on attending the Midwest Encampment, June 25-28 2020 feel free to contact me here, in private chat or if you prefer, email we can chat about that too. I guess I do OpSec somethings.
The rest of the park... The area is lowland and surrounded by numerous water formations from flowing river to stagnant backwaters and two lakes. Roughly 40 individual campsites are available, firewood is available near the entrance, there is a public boat launch with adjacent three camps, a game field with picnic shelter, playground and vault toilets. Cost for camping is $10 per night. Multiple bat houses help keep the mosquitoes at Bay however, they are still a concern, as well as tics.
cool looking place from the air.. i would not worry about OpSec, there are not many people on this forum that i think are truly quacks... Just be casual but alert.. heck you wont need guards. i think it is good to be away and if someone is acting stupid keep an eye on them.. I envision a first meet up just a lunch and a hike in a public park. or restaurant wit with a topic maybe, or a subject about prepping, people just meeting talking for the first few meet up heck they may break up and find and start a different group, why not, that is a begining of a mag. PJF. Viking are doing this well that is why I am going to meet with a few 0f those groups to see what they are like.. LAter
wish someone would host a meet up like that close to Ohio I would try and set one like that but, Getting these together takes a bit of time. I will would be ok with just a meet up and greet, food coffee introduction maybe a presentation a I think a break the ice thing. An 4 hour thing if people want to stray more so be it.. I have a bit of travelig to do down south soon ..So I am not sure what the year brings. Plans keep changing. LAter
You're absolutely correct that it takes time. I guess that's why I selected the field day weekend ten months away. As you follow the post, I discovered things that became prohibitive for the meet but still have plenty of time to relocate and get everyone on board. Being flexible is key. Big events like the Dayton hamfest is a great time to meet fellow comms preppers, or an other event that has a common interests subject.
Costs, time, seems to be some of the concerns I have. By keeping the meet far enough ahead of time, the Midwest Encampment has been able to identify issues with what seemed like an ideal location and adapt to overcome those issues by suggesting the alternative location.
Good luck with your future endeavors.
PS: the closest regional airport is Dubuque Iowa or Madison Wisconsin, just in case you have an inclination.
Indentifying the phases of the encampment. Phase one: idea and generating interests. Phase two: discussion and site location. Phase three: procurement of equipment and securing site to be used (current phase). Phase four, deployment. Phase five, operational. Phase six after discussion and planning the next one.
I think it's important to consider the meets not as a one and done but an ongoing endeavor to practice what works and improve on what didn't. The first one can be as simple as a dinner party or a meeting room at the local library or as complex as a three night four day extended weekend with all the trimmings.
I've been referred to as leader, and the defacto El Captaino though to be quite honest THAT happened by circumstance or by Divine Mercy ... Maybe Devine comedy, not sure which. By the time June rolls around there will be quite a bit of discussion and details may change. Flexibility is a key concept, but not so flexible as to provide no structure at all.
As always the subject here will be updated with progress and is open for those who have questions or suggestions for the encampment.
Very well said
Setting the record straight. This is not a one person show. I've been too relaxed to recognize the efforts of the team. So in light of the situation, I'd like to first apologize for that oversight and recognize
Mr D for his volunteer to assist with the setup of the station and expertise in Route Selection and reconnaissance
Mr G for offering to host us on the land!
Midwest encampment station house and administration building. The layout of the land is rectangular East to West. To prevent wheeled vehicles possibly doing damage a vehicle parking area will be established on the eastern treeline furthest from the western gates. Camps would be established on the western half of the property.
There are no designated camp sites, you're free to establish your own. Camp fires depending on ground conditions are allowed to be dug but please keep them more or less a cook fire rather than a bon fire eh? The antenna array and area is the most hazardous area with multiple guywires and cables posing risks for tripping over or inadvertently walking into them.
In the event of inclimate weather the cabin can be used for discussion and demonstration. I do believe that the club liaison may also make his quarters here, I saw room enough for a cot in the corner.
There are no shower facilities at the park, so we'll have to either build a camp shower or use other hygenic methods. The property does have a number of outhouse type restrooms and onsite Wells for water.