As the time draws near to make the trip to Camp Clearfork in Arkansas for our wedding, I thought I might pause from the global planning of meals, music, ceremonies, and lighting to focus on the preparedness of our esteemed guests.  Being prepared always leads to being comfortable and being comfortable makes one open to being better entertained so it's good idea to go over some things.

The camp really is an amazing place and has perfect facilities for our purpose, but it has some differences from modern destinations that you will want to take into account.

Camp Clearfork is rather remote.  This means there is generally NO cell service in the camp itself.  That being said, last time I was there you could get 3G at the entrance to the Camp out on the highway about a mile from the camp buildings.  So in a pinch you can walk/drive a mile to get back in touch with the rest of the world.  But remember this also means that while we are in the camp we have no way of receiving phone calls.  Just keep that in mind should you want to get in touch with us anytime from about noon on Friday.

Sleeping
The beds in the cabins are the old metal frame twin beds you would see in scout camps or frat houses.  The mattresses are fairly new but you will want to cover them with your own bedding or sleeping bag.  There is no bedding provided so you need to bring your own.  Also bring you own pillows.

You will also likely want to bring a fan.  Although the evening temps look very comfortable the highs during the day look to be right at 90F.  Having some moving air will be nice.  You also will want to bring a power strip or extension cord.  There are outlets in each room but generally just one.  If you have cameras and other devices to charge you will need the extra plug-in spots.

While we are providing keg beer at the reception along with water and tea, you may want to bring a cooler with your own beverages Friday evening and during the  day Sat. etc.  There is an ice machine on site should you need to recharge your coolers.

Dress
Dress is very casual for the entire weekend.  Your comfort is the prime directive here.  Shorts are even fine for the wedding ceremony itself.

Bathrooms
The bathrooms are located in remote buildings a short walk from your cabin (unless you are in a Staff Cabin) so you will want to have something to wear for that short walk and a way to carry your toiletry items with you.

Food
We will be cooking out burgers and hotdogs on the grill Friday evening, serving a cold breakfast Sat. morning (bagles, cereal, fruit).  We will also provide fixins for cold cuts for Sat lunch so you can pack it with you if you are going to ride, hike or otherwise explore on Saturday.  Saturday evening will be a big BBQ and Baked Potato dinner with Salad, etc.  Aside from all that you are own your own.  If you have kids that expect certain snacks you may want to bring them with you as it is about an hour to nearest grocery.

Cameras
Bring 'em!  Take lost of pictures.  And be sure to share them with us and everyone else.  We will have a photographer who is also a guest taking pictures as well.  Bring your chargers and batteries.  You don't want to miss out on capturing this.

Bikes and Gear
There are great trails that are accessible right out of camp so bring your bike and or hiking shoes to take advantage of those on Saturday and Sunday.  There is also a pond in the camp and while there are no records of any championship catches there the kids might enjoy putting a bobber in the water.  There is a very nice pier to fish from.

To recap, here is a basic checklist:

• Twin bedding or sleeping bag
• Pillows
• Fan
• Powerstrip/extension cord
• Cooler with favorite beverages and snacks
• Comfy clothes
• Camera and batteries
• Biking/Hiking gear
• Fishing gear (optional)
• Robe or other night clothes for walking to the bathrooms
• Bucket or bag for toiletries
• Beer coozie
• Coffee cup
• Bug spray and sun screen
• Small flashlight/headlamp
• Camping/Lawn chairs