Wondering about this camp...?

Candace V

So I was wondering if anyone has been to Camp Blue Lake. It is in Michigan near Twin Lakes and in the Manistee National Forest. If you have any information on what kind of camp it is tell me. The type of questions I need answered are :
⢠Are the kids bad? / What is the reputation?
⢠Tell me about the Dances
⢠Is the a dress code for the pool? Ex: only one pieces... ect...
⢠Anything that is helpful that the website won't give me? I live in Alabama. LOL! So... Idk about most things and the FAQ page on the website is under construction.
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Candace,

I know how itchy it is to send your kiddo so far away. Here is a website with feedback on this camp...both from kids and parents....in case you had not already found it.

http://www.campratingz.com/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=361

The feedback that worried me the most is the following two - scores are on a Likert Scale from one to five scale....for from left to right: staff, facilities, activities, personal attention, monetary value.....the camps average score is 4.4. - 45 out of 50 customers really liked the place.

2/26/07 1 1 1 3 2 Not a good camp for serious musicians (try interlochen)...I got west nile...my teacher was the pits...counselor got drunk :(

6/7/07 1 1 1 1 1 This camp is hugely expensive, and as bad as that is, this is a really stuck up camp. All the kids here thinks it's a competition...and it isn't. All the counselors were really mean to us! There are soo many cliques here!!!!! The first day from soo much practicing my fingers started to bleed (I play violin) and the director wouldn't let me go to the nurse! Thanks for letting me bleed on my violin! The counselors think there better at you at everthing...they may be but I saw this one counselor say to a kid "That sounded soo horrible!" and it made the girl cry! The food is sooo bad. DO NOT SEND YOUR KIDS HERE< YOU"LL BE SORRY!

Candace, if you don't get hits here at this sight on yahoo, having worked in a lot of camps and sent my kids to several camps, I would contact the camp director and ask for parent references. He or she of course will give you the positive parents, but still they will be able to answer the very specific questions you are asking. I would ask the parents not only about their child's experience but have they been aware of negative experiences for other children and try to network to those parents who may not be on the camps "positive parent" list. I would ask for camp director's response to the negative feedback on the sight I have sent you.

About 10% of children are having a bad experience at the camp according to the feedback. IT seems that the more socially sophisticated kids are doing OK, but some children are feeling ostracized and some of the counselors should not be there.

Finally, the director of the camp will be able to fill in the blanks of the missing FAQ page and may email it to you.

The camp website referred to in the negative feedback by one of the campers above is below. It got a 4.2 and 23% of its campers were not happy. Yet, you could use this camp to compare and contrast. Calling the competition will often get you the "down-side" you are looking for on each camp. I would ask both camps about the other. Sometimes staff have gone back and forth, so Interlochen may have staff you could talk to who have worked at Blue Lake and would be willing to share names and phone numbers.

Finally, West Nile is nasty stuff, paralyzing some people for months at a time. I would want to know how many cases they have had there in the last several years and what they are doing to control the problem. The mice mentioned in the feedback to me are less of a concern, they are pretty normal to most camping programs in my experience. If it was in the 4 corners area where Hunta Virus exists it would be of more concern I think.


Best wishes in your search.

Tom

Has anyone stayed at the Caspar Campgrounds near Mendocino? If so, do you recommend it?

Stretch

I am thinking about going camping there but they really dont have photo's of the campspots on their website .. just curious if anyone recommends this place.
Wanting to go tent camping but they really don't have photo's of the campground on their website.

Answer
I have not been there, but here is what the camping book "California Camping by Tom Stienstra" says:
This privately operated park has opportunities for beachcombing,kayaking,fishing,abalone and scuba diving & good lookouts for whale watching. The park is across the road from the ocean and somewhat wooded with a small year-round creek runningbehind itt. The park is about midway between Fort Bragg 7Mendocinoe with Fort Bragg 5 miles to the north. Note that some of the sites are filled with long-term renters. He gives it an 8 for scenic views with a 10 being tops. They have 30 sites for tents

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What is the best brand 2-3 room camping tents for a family??

Tra

We are looking to spend $ 70-150 .......we checked out a few but lots had problems with leaking.....please help!!!
We are looking for the cabin style tents....Thank you!
Camping in Tx .....

Answer
Coleman or EB are good, for around 80 - 150. Scotch guard the tent inside and out then seal the stitching before use. We camp all the time and no problems even in major down pours

Please advice my family how to choose a 3 season tent for camping for 6 people.?

1jenbo

We would like to begin camping again this summer, but haven't done any since before our children were born. Please advice how to determine the best choices for our investment. We need 1 with a lot of room and at least room for an air mattress. We would prefer 1 with multiple rooms option but do not want poor quality. Anyone know anything about Turbo Tents? Any advice- will be great.

Answer
I haven't heard of turbo tents. A bit pricey I might say. If you want good quality, a stay dry guarantee, easy set up, and room for 6 + all your gear I recommend Colman Tents. And this model,

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=2000001587&categoryid=11020&brand=

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Good Camping Place???

Adeth4Told

I was looking at pictures for camping equipment when I came across this picture. The place looks nice, and i was hoping that I can question the user who posted it, but its Amazon. Does anybody have any idea of where it can be??

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B000K7LU0M/ref=cm_cmu_pg_setImg?ie=UTF8&totalImages=52&pageSize=10&sort=rating&currentImagePage=3&currentImagePageOffset=8&currentImageID=mo6J80XXHAWRYA&action=setImg&page=3

Answer
The guy who uploaded the photo calls himself Colorado Camper. Just taking a guess I would say the photo was taken in Colorado, could be just about any place.

Whats the BEST place in Colorado to go tent camping?

Marcos

I want the best place, near a river or lake, beautiful views, hiking, etc.

Answer
We traveled through Colorado the first year we were married in 1971. I always planned to go back and just camp along the Highway next to the streams and rivers. I never did. You probably can't just camp anywhere and now if I did, I would most likely get robbed and mugged. But I still have the dream and can picture the beautiful scenery along the highway. Look into the State and National parks.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Advise on buying a tent?

AriesAlway

I know theres not too much of Summer left, We're in Northeast Ohio. We did out first family camping trip the other week, and cant wait for more. We used my sisters tent and supplies basicly. Should we continue useing hers, which isnt a problem. Tent could be bigger but we manage. Our should we buy on now, or next year. I like the tents with a screen patio and found on in the Kmart flyer. What do you all think?
http://kmart.shoplocal.com/kmart/Default.aspx?action=browsepagedetail&storeid=2422215&rapid=430829&listingid=-2092975161&pretailerid=-99572
Is that a good tent, brand?
We have two kids so the large tent that can have a wall like this is perfect I thought.
Thanxs!

Answer
I checked out this tent through your link. I would purchase this tent at that price. Looks to be a good starter tent. Even if you decide you don't like it you have not invested to much. Also note that for summer camping you can piece together a great set in relatively short time buying a cooler, propane or kerosene style lanterns, stove, chairs and sleeping bags say every other payday. I would not trust this tent to sleep more than 4 though. After years of camping through 3 seasons I have found that an air mattresses gives me much better sleep at nights and it uses more space as well. You can pay a fortune for a great tent, but to get started this looks fine. Have fun with it.

TENT HELP!!!! good quality low cost?

abby

We are planning a camping trip in july, and well i was wonding if we need to spend $100 plus bucks, or can we get a way with $40 at walmart?.... Whats the difference and do we really need to pay that much?...

Answer
No you don't need to spend that much for good quality. Coleman Tents makes good quality tents for less then $100. the bigger the tent the higher the price of course they make a 9x7 tent that will fit a family of 4 for $79.us
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=2000001975&categoryid=11020&brand=

It has a stay dry guarantee and is built to last I have had mine for 5+ years now and it's still as good as the day I bought it and I use it for Boy scouts now that tells how well there made. You can spend less their two man Sundome is $49.us. So depending on the size you need is the price you pay. And you can get these at Walmart or Kmart and Sears.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

cheap and quality family tent?

my family wanna go camping in several days in Georgia National Park,we need a camping tent and some cooking supplies.pls kindly recommend cheap and quality ones.thx 4 ur kindness.

Answer
As long as the weather is fair you can make almost any tent work for you. The Coleman Instant Tent 6 or 8 person models are preferred by many because they are easy to set-up and take down, but run in the $150-200 range. The Coleman Sundome Chris recommends is a good, low-priced tent, but is not as spacious or easy to setup as the Instant Tent, thought it would probably do better in the rain. Choose the one that makes the most sense based on your family size, allowing extra capacity so you can keep your clothing inside without being cramped.

You can use blankets from home or buy sleeping bags to make your bed. If choosing sleeping bags, pick a model that is rated at least 20*F lower than the coldest temperature you expect to encounter. You can always unzip the bag if it gets too warm, or sleep on top. Again, Coleman makes some decent fair-weather sleeping bags, also look at Kelty and Slumberjack. Expect to pay $50 and up for a decent sleeping bag, typically the more money you spend the smaller the bag will be when packed away.

Whether you use blankets or a sleeping bag you will want to have some padding underneath you. Some use cots, which cost around $100 each. Some are ok with foam pads, costing from $8 to $50. Then there's self-inflating mattresses, $50-150, which use expandable foam and air for padding and insulation. Finally you can use regular blow-up air mattresses, which range from $20 to over $100 and are available in single, double, queen and king sizes. In colder weather, foam and self-inflating mattresses are the best choice, as cots and air mattresses provide no insulation value.

In terms of cooking, a two-burner Coleman propane stove costs around $50, and disposable 16oz propane canisters cost between $2.50 and $3.50, each will last about 2 days. You can bring pots, pans and cooking utensils from home. You might need to bring one or two folding tables (1 to cook at, the other to eat at, about $45 each) and folding chairs ($15 to 75 each, depending on model). And a battery-operated lantern ($40-75). Use disposable plates, bowls and eating utensils to save money and time cleaning. You will also need coolers to keep your food and beverages cold. The Coleman Xtreme coolers are the best available for the money, and I recommend you get two: one for food and the other for beverages.

Don't forget some trash bags, napkins, paper towels, dish soap and hand soap. And a collapsible trash can is convenient. Also, a first aid kit is a good idea.

All this stuff is available at most WalMart stores.

What are the better quality family camping tents?

TCMJim

We would like to purchase a camping tent for the family. I am not too keen on dome tents as I am 6' tall and do not want to crawl around inside the tent. There are three of us but a fourth, mother in-law, may join us from time to time. We are not hard core backpackers so will be mostly staying in campsites for now. I want something easy to assemble. We are on somewhat of a budget so nothing over $500. However, we do not want to buy a cheap piece of junk either. Your help would be greatly appreciated

Answer
Big Agnes, Marmot, Kelty, Sierra Designs and Eureka are great brands that make excellent family tents for under $500. You can do so much better with that kind of money than a Coleman. Coleman is OK if you have a smaller budget, but if you can afford quality by having aluminum poles, better material and water proofing, vestibules, and all that, go for it. You'll have it a long time as long as it is cared for and stored properly.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Where's a good place to camp in Yosemite?

cm_lauren

I might be going to Yosemite with my family this summer...2 years ago we went and stayed in cabins but it was too expensive. We want to save money and camp (my parents might still get a small cabin). So is there a place were there's cabins and maybe a campsite right next to it? Thanks! Also, I might add we don't want to stay in the Valley or where there are a lot of people.
why wouldn't it be a good idea?

Answer
You have 3 principal choices (Campgrounds close to cabins) if you don't want to stay in Yosemite Valley:

Wawona (Available all year)
---->NPS Campground with standard facilities. Showers available for purchase at the Wawona Hotel (1 mile away). Small store and gas station (1 mile away). Redwood Cottages is a good spot to rent a cabin, many of which are quite nice. These are about two miles away from the campground.

White Wolf (Summer Only -- open dependent on conditions, august most reliable)
--->NPS campground with more limited facilities, but very close to White Wolf Lodge. Lodge has tent cabins (fabric walls), but each cabin has beds and furniature. Good hiking and small lakes nearby.

Tuolumne Meadows (Summer Only -- open dependent on conditions, august most reliable)
--->NPS campground is about two miles from Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, but shuttle bus system easily connects the two. Store, gas station, and mountaineering supply store are next to campground. Campground is comparable to Wawona. Tuolumne Lodge is the same style as White Wolf. August is reccomended because of lack of mosquitos and less chance of thunderstorms. EXCELLENT outdoor activites as well as numerous educational programs. Tuolumne Meadows is local favorite.

best place to camp in yosemite?

Q. a group of friends and i are planning on ging camping to yosemite in july. where is the best place to camp at? scenery, etc.
and can we bring beer?

Answer
Not sure if you're planning a pack trip or not, but Curry Village is OK if you like camping in crowded grounds in all of the valley floor, with access to bus tours and transport around the valley, parking, stores, showers, etc. But if you like to rough it, go up Tioga Road to the Yosemite Creek Trail Head and hike into the woods, downstream flow, towards the top of the falls. It's some beautiful views of the whole valley from there and there are places to camp along the trail. It's over several miles and makes for overnight or several days. Get a Topographical map of the valley and surrounding areas for trail markings and mappings from the park service website, or download them from National Park Service,org. Also get a fire permit or camp/packing permit and register at the Ranger's office or the entrance buildings when you pay your entrance fees. Just ask the Rangers. They'll tell you everything you need to know.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Are Americans willing to buy small cars?

Los Angele

I've noticed the increase in smaller-European style cars in the U.S., and I was wondering if Americans are accepting of them. I personally would prefer a smaller car because of the superb gas mileage and parking abilities. With a small car, I can fit into parking spaces that typical trucks, suvs, vans, and certain sedans can't fit into. I own two cars, a Volvo C30 (my wife's) & a Mazda3 (mine). I have two kids and as a family, we fit perfectly fine in the Mazda 3. I always hear people saying how much they need a Van or SUV because of their kids. You could easily fit 4 people comfortably in a Mazda3, and STILL fit all you need for everyday activities in the trunk. Anyways, I don't know what the big hang up is about small cars. In the near future, I'm considering buying a Mazda2 and giving my daughter my 2003 Mazda3. If Europe, South America, Asia, & Australia can do it, why can't we?
@Jessica: Well there are plenty of 18-wheelers in Europe, but 80% of the people there drive small compact cars still.

Answer
There is a law here in the United States, and the law says you can't over stuff the car. For example if the car only has 4 seat belts, only 4 people are supposed to be in the car. It doesn't matter if you can fit 6 people in the car, it's illegal and you can get a big fine. With that being said, since Americans like big families(and most American families are big families) they need something bigger like a 7 passenger SUV or a mini-van. Also, since the economy is better here, people don't care so much about gas mileage. Parking is not a problem here, so people don't care about that either. Also a big car is safer. Another problem is, Americans are bigger than Europeans(size wise, they are taller,more fat etc.) so they need more space. Most places in America have bad weather(like lots of snow) so people buy a big car because it will handle better on bad weather conditions. Americans also like to go on dirt roads(some consider it a hobby), mudding (another hobby) and camping. For all of these activities, a SUV, minivan or truck would be better because it will handle better. There are just lots of reasons, some of them I can't think of right now.

As for your real question, no Americans are not willing to buy small cars. Sub-compacts(the car types you're talking about) do exist in America, and there are some really nice ones like Ford Fiesta but people are not willing to buy them. It's too small for Americans. They sell, you can see them, but it's rare to see a sub-compact car here. However there are lots of compact cars like Honda Civic,Toyota Corolla,Ford Focus etc. However most of the vehicles on the road are SUVs,trucks and mini-vans. This makes it very risky for someone to buy a sub-compact car, because if you get hit by the big Ford F-150(#1 top selling vehicle in America for 35 years running), you would be lucky if you get out alive. It's just a big risk. Like I said though, Americans like their comfort. Also Americans like cars with big engines, because big engine=better performance. Not too many people care about fuel economy. For example the biggest Ford Focus engine in Europe is 100 horsepower, biggest Ford Focus engine in America is 140 horsepower.

I've never heard anyone buy a smaller car in United States because it's easier to park it. Most people who care about gas mileage are young people(high school students, college students, just out of college, newly married) and people who can't afford a big car(poor class). Middle-class and upper class people generally don't care about gas mileage. Generally, not always. There are lots of middle-class people who care about fuel economy and they buy cars like Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Prius, but most don't. I'm a college student and even people my age have big cars. Most of the cars are sedans but I still see lots of trucks and SUVs. Americans just love big cars.

camp in Arizona area with a car ?!?

Q. Is it possible to cam with just a car in the Arizona area?
I wanna drive from Phoenix,AZ to Corona,CA, to Las Vegas,NV and back.
But because I don't wanna bring a tent over from Holland, and I don't need a camper (93% of the time I got a place to stay) I just wanna use a car.
Do I need to park on a campsite ?
Will that cost me some money ?
Are there any free campsites I can use ?
Please, inform me !!!
Thanks a 1.000.000

Answer
First of all the drives you described are all very easy- albeit very hot- day drives. None of them are longer than 6 hours
Since you will be doing mostly desert driving a tent really isn't necessary.
If you don't roll in your sleep too much you can just place your sleeping bag and pad on the desert and sleep under the stars.
If you tend to roll in your sleep and also want to keep your bag and pad a little cleaner, I suggest that you buy a bivy shelter of some sort. They cost around $ 110 .00 weigh under 1.5 lbs, pack size is around 3"x16 "
The best place to get one in the Phoenix area would be REI located at 1405 W. Southern Ave Tempe AZ 85282 480-967-
5494 just west of Priest Drive
The store is located about 6 miles from the airport.
REI is a co-op so you will charged one-time fee of $ 15.00 to become a member.
Have fun

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Is paris island the only place where you can train,become,and get recruted as a marine?

Q.

Answer
Camp Pendleton in San Diego too.

Room deceration help ! I want a paris room for pretty cheep.?

Vivian

I want to re-design my room as a paris theme. I want to use the colors brown pink white and black.
I need cheep places to get these things...........
-nice paris bedspred
-cheap wall paint
-effiel tower wall decals
-Not exspencive vanity
Any cute paris Ideas are welcomed. I also want to include some not so exspencive black and white pictures. I love the one with the girl in the sunglasses who's looking right at the camera. Its black and white super cute. Also any paris wall stickers are great. Give me your ideas and I dont want a link to the website girlsthemeroomparsian ! It's not good thx !

Answer
Hi, A nice black and white comforter maybe in a damask pattern http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=xhilaration&tag=recommended0b-20&index=garden&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

Black and white photos of paris http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=paris%20decor&tag=recommended0b-20&index=garden&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

Chandelier http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=chandelier&tag=recommended0b-20&index=garden&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325 or a chandelier wall decal http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=chandelier%20wall%20decal&tag=recommended0b-20&index=garden&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325
Hope this helps.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What tent brands do you recommend for light camping, 3-4 days for a family of 3-4 people?

Rei

Answer
Ooooh - I just bought a tent - it is 12' by 12' and it was on sale at Bass Pro Shop - don't know if you have one near you - but it was only 99.88!!! You can order it online as well, depending on when you plan to camp. Here the link for the tent.... it's huge and it has a room divider you can hang up and each room (side) can hold a queen size air mattress. There's side pockets and sky lights (heavy plastic) too!!


http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98177_350001002_350000000_350001000_350-1-2

Also - below is a link to see if they have a store near you!

in your opinion what is?

Steve

the best quality tent to purchase for 3-6 people? weather resistant, tough material, just overall a very well made and well designed tent? thank you
oh i forgot to add in what BRAND

Answer
Any of these will do you just perfectly:
http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/92/Family-Camping-Tents.html#app=price%7E+group%7E92+brand%7E+sortby%7Eprice_asc+cat%7E3+subcat%7E+offset%7E+on_sale%7E+page_name%7EFamily-Camping-Tents

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Cape Cod Help......which is the best place to visit in there?

chweety_18

Hi
Me and my boyfriend want to go out this weekend to cape cod..But we find it hard to find the best place can someone help?please.....

Answer
I go to The Cape often and have camped at Nickerson State park in Brewster.It's kinda small but for camping OK.I usually stay in Hyannis and drive up to Truro where there is the Highland Light(Cape Cod Light).Beautiful scenery and a golf course.We know a fish monger there and order two lobster at about 8am.Continuing up the cape you can find Coast guard beach.Another beautiful and large beach voted in the Travel Channels top 10 for US Beaches.Check out the cranberry bogs if you get a chance.Many light houses and history all over the cape.At the top of the Cape theres Race Point.Biking and hiking trails all over.Then P-Town...Eclectic,Gay Where the real plymouth rock is.Shops and diners for whatever you like.Pilgrims Monument-- The tallest granite structure around

I guess this is late..you just have to go again

tourist attractions in cape town?

Joe H

i am visiting cape town for only 4 days / 5nights. what to visit other than:
Cape Point, Robben Island, Table Mountain, Stolenbosch, V&A Waterfront, Shark Cage (where is it?), Opium Club
where else to go? day and night? any zoo? what other things to see?

Answer
Cape Town is a great place to tour. Table Mountain is a must as you've already pointed out. Many tourists also drive along Chapman's Peak Drive for the views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby mountains. It is possible to either drive or hike up Signal Hill for closer views of the City Bowl and Table Mountain.

The beaches in Cape Town is very popular as well. You can visit lots of beaches on the same day. You can even see African penguins on Boulder Beach! When you visit the V&A Waterfront, be sure to go to the Two Oceans Aquarium. It is also possible to take a ferry from the V&A to Hout Bay, Simon's Town and the Cape Fur Seal colonies on Seal and Duiker Islands.

If you're into culture and heritage, go and have a look at some of the old Dutch styled architecture in Constantia.

Whale watching is popular amongst tourists: Southern Right Whales can be found off the coast during the breeding season (August to November) and Bryde's Whales can be seen any time of the year. The nearby town of Hermanus is known for its Whale Festival, but whales can also be seen in False Bay. Heaviside's dolphins are endemic to the area and can be seen from the coast north of Cape Town; dusky dolphins live along the same coast and can occasionally be seen from the ferry to Robben Island.

The most popular areas for visitors to stay include Camps Bay, Sea Point, V & A Waterfront, Hout Bay, Rondebosch, Hermanus, Constantia, City Bowl, Somerset West and Newlands.

Also see the Bo-Kaap, The Castle of Good Hope, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Robben Island, Rhodes Memorial, South African Parliament and the District Six Museum.

You can do these things: Swim nude in the freezing water of Sandy Bay, surf, taste some good wines along the Wine Routes, go deap sea fishing and go on a rollercoaster at Ratanga Junction!

Edit: Our shark dives takes place in Shark Alley, Gansbaai, where an abundance of great white sharks is prevalent, due to the amount of their primary food source - seals. 2KO offers great white shark cage dive tours - for one day, or longer. Each person on the boat gets at least one turn to get into a cage and face off against the greatest predators on earth, the great white shark.

Go to http://www.africadiver.com/ to find a dive training company that suits you.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers