Campers' Group Bulletin - Spring 1996

Fire Island was hit by some bad storms this winter, but the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) cabin there wasn't damaged. On our first trip in April, we'll help them prepare it for summer. Our first camping trip is the weekend before Memorial Day, also to Fire Island. If you're hardy, this will be one of the best weekends of the year to camp.

For traditionalists, the camping season starts on Memorial Day weekend. From this point on, the trips are easier and beginners are welcome. To reserve space on a trip, call its leaders Sunday to Wednesday of the previous week, before 10 PM. If you need information earlier than that, call David Levner at 718-897-1448.

To go on a camping or cabin trip, you must be a Campers' Group member. You can mail us your dues or pay at the site. One year's membership costs $12 for an individual or $18 for a family. (We accept checks made out to Campers' Group.) Send dues to David Levner, 63-36 98th Place, #5J, Rego Park, NY 11374.

Activities

Margo Smiley 718-261-3329

April 12-13, Cabin Trip, AMC Fire Island, Atlantique, NY
Help AMC get its Fire Island cabin in shape for 1996. Tasks include gardening, weeding, painting, taking boats out of storage, and light construction work. If you have any special skills, let us know. The cost is $20 for one night's lodging and 4 hearty meals. You'll earn a free pass to stay at the house one night during the summer. Flush toilets and hot showers. Limited to 10 people. Accessible by public transportation. NO CALLS BEFORE APRIL 6.

Geoff Gove 212-260-6051 & Xuya (Sheeah) Chen 718-459-3139

Saturday April 20, Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour, Brooklyn, NY
Take a special, behind the scenes tour of NY Aquarium with Don Riepe of the American Littoral Society. The tour begins at 10 AM, lasts 2 1/2 hours, and costs $12 for adults, $8 for children. You must call to reserve a space.

Don Riepe 718-634-6467

Saturday May 4, American Museum of Natural History, Manhattan
Join us for a visit to Campers' Group's favorite museum. See a special exhibit on amber, an IMAX movie or the laser show at the Hayden Planetarium. If we get enough calls, we'll negotiate a reduced rate with the museum. We'll eat dinner afterwards in a neighborhood restaurant. NO CALLS BEFORE APRIL 21.

Michael Scott 212-727-2692

May 17-19, Fire Island National Seashore, Watch Hill, NY
Start the camping season in the sun by the sea. We guarantee there'll be no crowds and few mosquitoes this weekend. With its flowers in bloom, Fire Island is most colorful in May. Enjoy hiking, the scenery, and the beach. Tepid showers and flush toilets. Experienced campers only. Accessible by public transportation. NO CALLS BEFORE MAY 12.

Mike McGarvey 212-260-6152 & Helen Levin 718-356-5314

May 24-27, Jenny Jump State Forest, Hope NJ
Celebrate the first three-day weekend of the season at one of our favorite parks. We'll camp in a group site and enjoy hiking and our first campfire of the season. Outhouses at the site, flush toilets and hot showers in another part of the park. NO CALLS BEFORE MAY 19.

Mike Osattin 718-651-6299 & Denise Drossos 718-435-3169

Saturday June 8, Hike-a-thon in Sterling Forest, Arrow Park, NY
Hike the Appalachian Trail and learn how this endangered forest protects your drinking water. After the hike, there'll be live music and refreshments. Accessible by public transportation. NO CALLS BEFORE JUNE 2.

Maria Sari 212-702-1000 (work) 718-520-8584 (home)

June 14-16, Mongaup Pond State Park, De Bruce, NY
Mongaup Pond is actually a huge lake in which you can swim, fish and boat. Or you can enjoy the scenery as you hike or bicycle. Hot showers and flush toilets. NO CALLS BEFORE JUNE 9.

Israel Sacolick 718-252-7655 & Margo Smiley 718-261-3329

Saturday June 22, Mermaid Parade, Coney Island, NY
Welcome summer with this annual rite of passage which draws a colorfully-dressed crowd of sea-floats, mermaids, mermen and marine critters to the famous resort. Dress as your favorite sea-creature for a parade and costume-judging on the boardwalk, or just come to watch, eat cotton candy and Nathan's hot dogs and enjoy the amusement park. NO CALLS BEFORE JUNE 16.

Judith Gross 718-784-4053

CONTACTS:
  Benevolent Dictator   David Levner    718-897-1448  levner@panix.com :-)
  Treasurer             Cathie Carmen   718-463-2431
  Mailing               Mike Osattin    718-651-6299
  Newsletter            Judith Gross    718-784-4053  74160.3727@compuserve.com

World-Wide Web home page: http://www.campersgroup.org