7 Fundamental Steps to Make Camp SUP a Relaity

1  PROPOSAL FOR CAMP:  I need to develop a formal proposal to submit to LoF to request a camp located directly on the lake.  If you have experience in this area, please comment. 

2  WHAT WE OFFER:  Fundamentally, we will offer lessons on how to SUP if needed, and to give people the ability to sign out SUPs for up to an hour at a time, from 11AM to 4PM, Thr though Sat.  

3  OFFER MORE?  We could offer more if I hear good ideas, can't wait to hear your ideas. 

4  IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?  We need dependable, artistic people to create signs and displays to make our camp look great.  

5  TRANSPORTATION:  I have a large van to transport up to 6 SUPs, a small generator, and large equipment/signs, but we will also have to organize carpooling and some other large vehicles or trailers for maximum efficiency.  Do you own a truck/trailer or large car?

6  COMMITMENTS FROM 8 TO 12 PEOPLE TO THE CAMP.  No matter who you are or what your skill set is, there will be something important and productive for you to do.  I am looking for friendly, dependable people to commit to this camp.  We have plenty of time to work out the details.  Please post any and all questions, and your level of interest. 

7  HOW TO GET TICKETS?  Finally, my plan to secure some tickets is to volunteer to become a ranger because I think it would be fun:  http://lakesoffire.org/departments/rangers/  If you wanted to join me we could take the mandatory training (in Detroit area) together.  There are many other different ways to volunteer  http://lakesoffire.org/departments/, and of course you don't have to volunteer but, if you don't, you will have to do your best with the ticket lottery.  I will try to get as many tickets as possible but, ultimately, you are responsible for securing your own tickets.

In 2016 LoF took place June 15-19th.  Although the official dates for 2017 have not yet been determined, it always seems to take place in the second half of June.  

My Brief Personal history at LoF

My Brief Personal history at LoF

2013 was my first LoF experience.  I had no idea what to expect, but I suspected it would be an entirely new experience for me, and I was not disappointed.  Even back then I brought a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) to use and share in the lake.  The most dramatic moment came when my friend, Link, was using the board (I shared it with everyone who asked).  He actually found himself in the position to rescue a drowning woman.  I am happy that my SUP aided in the rescue of a woman.
           We were part of the Coffee Camp, and it felt great having a way to give back to the people.

2014 I was busy traveling around South American.  My friend actually got me on the air (to make fun of my hardly knowing Spanish) on a popular radio station in Columbia.

2015  Despite my best efforts, I could not secure a ticket:-(
2016  This year I was invited to join Camp Gnom, a great group of friends I met primarily though Couch Surfing and Nathan in particular.  Great people, but the camp didn't offer much in any organized way.  I did, however, bring two SUPs to share, and the interest was so great, it inspired me to come up with the idea to design an entire camp around SUP.  Camp SUP was born!