EYC Camping Trip
The annual EYC Camping Trip to the Red River Gorge for 2021 will officially take place on Friday, May 28 to Monday, 31. There is a lot of info here so please take the time to read through it all and let me know if you have any questions or concerns (familyministries@trinitycovington.org or 859-496-1100).
The camping trip is an EYC tradition dating back to the early 1990's and we pretty much have it down to a science at this point. Each year, a small group of adults packs up all our gear and heads down to the gorge the night before to reserve our regular camp site. We almost always camp near the Archaic parking lot on Tunnel Ridge Road. This allows us camp in the woods, while also remaining in walking distance of bathrooms and our vehicles. The rest of the group gathers at the Kelley residence on the first day of the trip and drive down to the gorge together.
Our set-up has become fairly elaborate with a full kitchen, activities tent, and, of course, a forest of hammocks. During our trip, cooking, cleaning, and firewood collection duties are shared by the whole group. We hike every morning and always make time to visit a good swimming hole. Other than that, we try to keep the schedule light so the group has plenty of time to relax, unplug, and enjoy fellowship together.
Here are the details:
Gear Our set-up crew will be taking all of your gear down to the Gorge on Thursday, May 27. It is important that you drop your stuff off because there isn’t room in the van for any gear. Gear can be dropped of at Shannon’s house (1050 Lawton Rd Park Hills) or the Kelley’s house (405 Alexander Rd. Crittenden) no later than noon on Thursday. BRING: sleeping bag/sleeping pad, camp chair, clothes for hiking, hiking shoes, shoes you don’t mind getting wet (Chacos are a favorite), bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, water bottle, bug spray, rain jacket, sweatshirt/jacket. OPTIONAL: hammock, games/cards, musical instruments. DO NOT BRING: alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, fire arms, fireworks, expensive things you don’t want to lose, nice clothing you care about, or a bad attitude. ;)
Transportation Everyone will meet at the Kelley’s farm in Crittenden on Friday, May 28 (time TBD) to ride together in a large passenger van. **Those who have special circumstances will be allowed to self transport and must be cleared through Shannon. Campers will return to the Kelley’s by 3:30 on Monday.
Eating Campers will grab Subway sandwiches on the way down Friday afternoon. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day will be group meals. We will eat lunch at Miguel’s Pizzeria on Monday. Snacks will also be provided, but feel free to bring your own. In year’s past we have stopped off at the corner market for a post hike ice cream or treat. Please bring a little cash for this. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate that in the form below.
Sleeping Everyone will have their own tent OR stay with people (of the same sex) they have already been in close contact with. We ask that you let us know If you have your own tent that you can bring in the registration form below. Please make sure to include your tent in the gear you drop off at the Kelley’s or Shannon’s no later than noon Thursday, May 27. If you don’t have your own tent, we will provide one for you.
Activities We will be adjusting our activities to allow for social distancing between the campers AND to avoid contact with other groups as much as possible. However, we can’t guarantee that we don’t come across other groups when we hike, so we will ask that each camper bring a mask. We won’t require them when the group is “alone together”, but will ask that all campers bring them anytime we leave camp so that they can wear them if we come into close contact with other people.
Here are some additional important details and a few things you need to do:
All participants need to complete the registration for below by Sunday, May 23. You need to complete this form even if you have previously responded that you plan to attend via email or text.
All personal camping gear (bags, pads, sleeping bags, etc.) must be delivered to the Shannon’s or the Kelley’s by noon on Thursday, May 27.. It will be leaving for the Red River Gorge afternoon on the trailer.
Bring a little cash for a treat at the corner store.
Campers will depart from Kelley’s farm in Crittenden on Friday afternoon (time TBD)
All campers need to be picked up by 3:30 on Monday, May 31 at the Kelley’s home.
There will be at least four adult chaperones on this trip and all are experienced campers.