Since 1983, veteran Florida Trail volunteers Lou and Rachael Augspurg have hosted an annual campout for New Year’s Eve in the Ocala National Forest. This year, this major outdoor event is at Camp Kiwanis off SR 40 at Mill Dam. There is no need for reservations – just show up if you feel like ringing in the New Year with a bunch of avid hikers! Arrive anytime on Thursday this week and leave anytime on Sunday. There are always group and ad-hoc hikes in the forest, a paddling trip on the Silver River, and plenty of trail talk and camaraderie around the campfire. Here’s what the countdown looked like two years ago:
Camping costs $6 per person per night and no pets are permitted. There is room for RVs (electric hookup available) and plenty of tent space. In the evenings, you’ll enjoy programs about hiking – places to hike, gear to hike with, and adventures around the globe. It’s a great event!
Click “Continue reading” at the end of this sentence for the official flyer. Please note that the campout is open to FTA members and their friends only … so if you attend and you haven’t joined FTA yet, you’ll have your chance … and tell Rachael I sent you!
LOCATION: CAMP KIWANIS - ON MILL DAM LAKE
(Directions below)
DATES: CHECK IN – ANYTIME THURSDAY DECEMBER 31
………………CHECK OUT – ANYTIME SUNDAY JANUARY 3
COST: $6.00 PER PERSON / PER NIGHT
………………UNDER AGE 16 & OVER AGE 75 CAMP FREE
FACILITIES: group camping/ RV electric hook-ups/ drinking water/
restrooms/ showers/dining hall/ fireplace inside/ fire ring outside/
full kitchen / ice machine/ large refrigerator & freezer/ toasters/
coffee pot / lake-fishing, canoeing/ hiking trails
BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR – SORRY…NO PETS IN CAMPGROUND
MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch on your own (kitchen can be used)
SHARED DINNERS: 6:00 PM Thursday, Friday, & Saturday
…………….THURSDAY: POT LUCK DINNER – Bring a dish to share.
…………….FRIDAY: - BAR-B-Q – Bring salads & desserts
…………SATURDAY: STONE SOUP- Bring one soup ingredient.
ACTIVITIES: THURSDAY. PM, FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
………………..HIKE, BIKE OR PADDLE
……………………..THUR, FRI, & SAT EVENINGS-PROGRAMS & CAMPFIRES
……………………..THUR – NEW YEAR’S COUNTDOWN (peas,greens& cb)
FOR MORE INFORMATION or
To Volunteer to lead an activity (hike, bike,paddle)
Contact Rachael Augspurg – 352 669 2898 or lourayfl@mac.com
To volunteer to do a program contact Jon Phipps – 407 260 0592 or jonaphipps@hotmail.com
DIRECTIONS TO CAMP KIWANIS
CAMP KIWANIS IS LOCATED IN THE OCALA NATIONAL FOREST -
LOCATE THE INTERSECTION OF SR 19 (N/S) & SR 40 (E/W)
Go West 11 miles on SR 40
Turn north at SE196 Terr Rd /FR 05 (old FR 79)
Go 1/2 mile to SE 3rd St – Camp Kiwanis Sign
Go 1/4 mile to the camp
Address for GPS: 19300 SE 3rd St SilverSprings, FL 34488
