Rental Equipment

Unless they are experienced campers, I encourage new Cub Scouts and their parents to rent camping equipment before they consider buying equipment. There have been some changes in the camping rental market in Atlanta. I believe that the largest rental company is REI, with two locations in Atlanta. They have stoves, packs, sleeping bags and pads and tents for rent at very reasonable prices, particularly for members of the co-op. I rented some equipment from them this weekend and they were great to deal with. They mentioned to me that it is wise to book as far ahead of time as possible as they frequently get groups who rent, for example, all of their sleeping bags for a weekend church camp or Scout event.

Phone Tree Software

Ever had problems making the traditional "phone tree" work with your den or Pack? Try using phone tree software like that offered by Calling Post. With this service, you set up a list of telephone numbers that you want to call (say, all of the members of your den or Pack), then record a message to be sent to each of these telephone numbers. There is a small charge for each telephone call, but dozens of calls can be made automatically. It is a real time saver for busy den and pack leaders.

Cave Adventures

Cub Scouts love to explore caves. Some great cave trips in the Southeast are:

Mammoth Cave National Park
The Lost Sea
Forbidden Caverns
DeSoto Cavern Park

There are many caves throughout the Southeast. Some of the caves allow overnight sleepovers in the cave which is a great winter camping activity for Cubs.

Camping at Simpsonwood

Simpsonwood Conference Center is a Methodist conference center near Dunwoody on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Camping, a lodge, meals, three miles of trails, swimming pool, playground, basketball court, and an athletic field are among the attractions for Cub Scouts. For more information, contact them:

Simpsonwood Conference Center
4511 Jones Bridge Circle, NW
Norcross, GA 30092
770-441-1111
sales@simpsonwood.org

Trees Atlanta Tree Sale

Tree planting is a great conservation project for Cub Scouts. Where do you get the trees to plant? Check out the Trees Atlanta Tree Sale offering a diverse selection of native and non-invasive exotic trees. This is the annual fundraiser for Trees Atlanta. Saturday, October 13th, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Piedmont Park.

Autumn Stars

Another outstanding program at the Chattahoochee Nature Center explores what constellations and stars to look for this fall.
September 23, 1-2 p.m.
Chattahoochee Nature Center
9135 Willeo Road
Roswell, GA
770-992-2055, Ext. 237

Bird Walks in Piedmont Park

Through December 8, the Atlanta Audubon Society offers free bird walks in Piedmont Park at 8 a.m. the second Saturday of each month. Teach your Cubs the basics of bird watching.
Piedmont Park Conservancy Community Center
1071 Piedmont Ave., N.E.
Atlanta, GA
404-875-7275
http://www.piedmontpark.org/