Welcome to Woodsmoke Rendezvous!

As I write this in the oppressive August heat, I am looking forward to cooler weather, shorter days, and changing colors in the woods. The Woodsmoke Brigade is busy making preparations for our annual Rendezvous to be held the weekend of December 6 – 8, 2024. We hope you are, too! Here are a few things we want you to know as you make plans to attend Woodsmoke this year.

First, there WILL NOT be a workday this year. The site is in pretty good shape, and we will be camping in the same general locations as last year. Any Troops who want to come out the weekend after Thanksgiving to begin setting up are welcome to do so. Remember, though, that there are cattle on the property, and they WILL get curious about things out of the ordinary in their environment (particularly about tents, dining tarps, gateways, camp kitchens, etc.), and they will investigate and potentially do damage! Whenever you come out, please make sure that the gate is closed and secured behind you when you enter or exit the camp.

Troops are advised to bring firewood for their own camp use, but a limited supply of firewood will again be available at Woodsmoke (at least until it runs out!). The Brigade will also provide water via the two “water buffaloes” at the Brigade cook shed.

Preregistration forms and payment should be sent to the Woodsmoke Scribe at 102 Grayson Drive, Enterprise, AL 36330. As in past years, registration is $20 per person if paid by November 15th, and $25 per person if paid after November 15th. All forms are available on the “Forms” section of the website, including the Final Registration List form and the Scout and Adult Release form. Scoutmasters must submit a release form on Friday evening for each person camping with their unit. All releases and the Final Registration list of all attendees must be turned in on Friday at Woodsmoke before spending the night at camp. Also, each vehicle staying on site at Woodsmoke should have a completed Parking Pass left on the dash in case we need to contact the driver.

Saturday morning events will include archery, hawk throw, black powder rifle, slingshot, knife throw, flapjack toss, firemaking, and a stretcher carry. Be prepared! This year we are also planning to bring back a limited number of Saturday afternoon team events. These afternoon events will include hawk and knife throw, flint and steel firemaking, knots, and archery. The first 80 Scouts who complete all afternoon events will receive the “Woodsmoke Task Master” pin from several years ago. Please encourage your new Scouts to compete!

Cub Scouts will again be invited to visit Woodsmoke Rendezvous for the Trade Blanket event Saturday afternoon. If you have a Cub Scout Pack associated with your unit, please invite them to come out on Saturday afternoon between 1pm – 4pm. Trade Blanket will begin at 3pm.

As we mentioned last year, the Brigade has decided that Troops WILL NOT be responsible for providing Troop gifts for the prize blanket for Sunday morning. Instead, the Brigade has decided to award First, Second, and Third Place awards for the Campsite and Clothing competitions. The Brigade will provide these awards, and judging will continue right up until the awards are presented on Sunday morning. We hope this will encourage all Troops in attendance to “step up their game” regarding the layout and equipping of their campsites, as well as to make an effort to make their clothing more “period correct”. We also think this will take a little pressure off the Scoutmasters trying to make last minute preparations to attend the weekend.