There has been some talk on the forums about people in other parts of the country who wish they could organize their own G.G.G's, since coming out to California would not be possible.
Last year, I picked Ken's brain last year about what advice he would give to someone if they were to organize their own G.G.G.
I hope that Ken's advice and help you organize your own local G.G.G.
These events have introduced traditional backpacker to lightweight backpacking, let people see first hand a lot of lightweight gear that can only be bought online, created new friendships & hiking partners to backpacking trips together and have further adventures….and they are just plain fun!
Tips for Organizing your own Gathering of Gear Geeks:
1. Site Selection
• Number of People Dictates the Location
• Human Waste Disposal Determines suitability of site selection
• Water availability at site
• Are Fires Allowed
• Online Research & Communication
2. Ease of Permit and Location Access
• Keep it simple: no special use permits, no insurance waivers, no hassles
• Parking Lot Size, Availability, and Permits for Vehicles
• Develop a working relationship with Rangers & Park Staff
• Distance Needed to Hike to Campsite Determines How Many Will Attend
• Meeting at the Trail Head or Campsite
3. The Considerate Dictator
• Pick at a Date that is good for YOU- avoid big holidays & vacations
• Creating the Online Invite: One Easy, Informative, and Updated Posting
• Don’t Be Mom; everyone is an adult- just set it up and let them show up
4. Paying for it All
• Expect to Cover Upfront Cost Out of Your Own Pocket
• Low Cost is Key for a Good Turn Out: No renting private ranch or campground
• Clear Posting of Per Person Fees to Attend & How the Money is to be Spent
• Paypal: Easy of Use and Accounting for Who Paid and When They Paid
• List of Who Has and Has Not Paid on clearly listed on the Online Invite/Forum
5. Preparation & Recruiting Help
• Master Check List to Keep on Track & Organized
• Doing a little bit all of the time…spacing out the work load
• Name Tags…help break the ice for everyone, new and old timers
• Pit Toilets/Outhouses: Toilet Paper, Wet Wipes, Glow Sticks, and Air Freshener
• Support Vehicle: Firewood, Duraflame log as fire starter, Water, Water Jugs, Shovel, Broom, Trash can, Trash bags
• Have extras of all the supplies you are taking…especially toilet paper
• On Site: Cleaning out the Fire Pits & Clean Pit Toilets/Outhouses
• Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help- people will volunteer
6. Fun Activities & Events
• Wood Stove Burn Off- fire making skills
• Encourage people to show off/share their talents: gear collections to show & tell
7. Leaving the Site Better Than You Found It
• Cleaning Up & Packing It Out
• Maintaining Good Working Relationship with Park Rangers and Staff
• Earning the Chance to Return to the Campsite by being considerate park visitors
8. Sharing the Memories
• Posting Photos & Telling the Story Online: Giving a Reason to Do It Again
I have had the pleasure of posting photos of all the G.G.G.s since the first one, I would like to believe that by posting a good trip reports with lots of photos of what happened at the GGGs has help create interest for people to come out to the following ones. Don't just talk about it….SHOW them what happened.
Anyway, hope this helps inspire others to organize their own Gathering of Gear Geeks.
If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me and I would be happy to get in touch with Ken to get his thoughts….he does not know that I have created this thread. :)
Tony
