Click here for a Google map to the various reunion locations.

Map will be updated for 2012, but enlarging it will show you the routes

January 12, 2012

Carbide Camps 30^th –Year Reunion!

To all Carbide campers and staff,

It’s the BIG 30^th! The reunion commemorates the 30^th year since the Blue Creek camps Carlisle and Camelot closed. Additionally, we’ll remember Cliffside, the “starter set” for many of us as campers. You are cordially invited…!

Events will take place during the three-day weekend of July 13-15, 2012.

Yes, 30 years ago in July, some of us would be starting to think about packing up for two weeks on the Creek and all the activities and friends that made Summer so special. Just a few years before that, some would have been headed for Coal River, the twin swinging bridges, Cabin Row and the magical self-lighting campfire.

Now, we return only to the memories of the camps, but to the very present friendships and sharing that still make camping, and Carbide, and West Virginia unforgettable – make it essential to explaining why we are who we are, and who we are yet to be.

Our past meetings -- even the small annual mini-reunions -- have served to “tend the flame”. We’ve preserved the Camps’ themes of Native American and Arthurian values of interdependency and teamwork, of rules and reason, of work and play. We’ve recognized their importance as part and parcel of that thin veneer of civilization we stretch over the chaos. These heavy concepts were transferred to us relatively painlessly, in a couple of weeks each Summer. Every camper we encounter expresses the belief that those positive lessons persist in us today and in our children for the future.

Join your reunion committee and fellow campers in Charleston

and on the Creek to remember and refresh the Carbide Camping spirit!

Remember the wings, castles, hootenannies, sign raids,

Early-morning wake up raids and dances … and exploding beans!

Surprise souvenirs – mementos – ceremonies!

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Events:

Friday Evening, July 14

7:00 PM to ? Icebreaker reception and T-Shirt pick-up at Charleston Fraternal Order of Police Hall. A keg of beer will be on hand, with food and soft drinks, and an open cash bar. Karaoke! Pool! Dancing! Scrapbooks sharing! Memories!

Yes, we’ll have 30th-year commemorative T-shirts available soon for pre-order. There will be shirts for all three camps! Details will be included in the next e-mail you receive, and on the website.

Saturday, June 15

Please note: The route to the Hunting / Fishing Club and the camp sites requires travel on dirt roads with multiple stream crossings. The camp sites are more than 1/2 hour from the nearest help. Some Saturday events are held in undeveloped areas where cell-phone and emergency services are not immediately available. Guests should plan to bring appropriate vehicles, optional overnight camping and hiking gear, and any medications or other immediate needs. Overnight Camping is at your own risk. Everyone should always be alert to avoid accidents and to help others."   

To Blue Creek: Meet at the Carbide Hunting and Fishing Lodge around noon, for trips to the Camelot and Carlisle campsites and surroundings. Unstructured hiking, visiting all day, and a catered 4 PM evening banquet at the Hunting and Fishing Club Lodge! Surprises!

[NEW] People staying overnight on the creek should bring their own tent and mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, snacks, beverages and breakfast. Be sure you have a vehicle that can traverse Blue Creek, and keep an eye on the weather! Camping will likely be at the former camps sites, not at the H/F club.

Camps crafts revival - Lanyards!

Placement / Unveiling of Camps Memorial Plaques

Ceremonial ringing of the Camelot Bell.

Horseback riding is a real possibility!

“Exploding Beans”, probably. Ghost stories certainly!

Sunday, June 16

1:00 PM: Catered Farewell Picnic Luncheon at Coonskin Park. Here’s where more of those surprise souvenirs come in!