This page is intended to describe all the little jobs that have to go on in camp. The main point we want to make with everyone is that when we are at Vidette, we're there to help hikers - and everyone is expected to chip in. Get familiar with these tasks, and if you see something that needs doing - do it! Note: It is OK to disappear for day hikes (for instance) - just make sure that you don't take the whole camp with you - and make sure to "Put in your camp-help hours" somewhere else. Thanks for being part of this.
Role Descriptions
Light Fire: The first one up each day should light the fire (if they feel comfortable doing that). Friday Afternoon is a special case - Someone will likely have to build supports in the fire ring for the 2 grates we will have (with rocks). It will have to be strong enough (and well balanced enough) to support 2 big pots of water. You will want to carry some fire starters in your personal pack (so you can find them). Light the fire. Click Here to watch our video from last year, there are lots of shots of the fire setup.
Camp Setup: Hang up the 3 flags (US, Mexico, Canada) across the trail. Set up various signs and posters. There are small styrofoam camp tables that need to be found and assembled (All can be seen in last years video, Click Here)
Cook: Responsible for keeping the fire going and at the intensity you want (wood should already be stacked and available for you). Keep two pots of water going at all times: 1) that has already boiled (and so is usable), and 2) one that has not yet boiled (which will be added to (1) when it boils). Make tortilla’s wi cheese and salami in the morning (Heated), and dehydrated Burritos in the evening (and S’mores on tortillas for dessert). Clean up pots after the meal.
Burritos: Are actually trickier than they look. I found two good videos to review before you go: Click Here to see how to roll the tortilla (note the "Pinky fold" - It really helps!). Click Here to see how to wrap the finished burrito in paper (we will use parchment paper) - Note the final fold into a "pocket" that holds the whole thing together! This will allow finished burritos to be heated/reheated on the cookiesheet.
Firewood: We burn a lot of wood. Collect dry breakable dead wood and bring it back to camp. Break it up. Keep organized and sorted by size for easy access by Cook (Kindling, Med, Large). Work Gloves are in our communal supplies (especially useful for breaking). We do not typically carry a saw (keep this in mind when gathering wood) - although we did have one in 2019 that was very helpful. Click Here to see a short video of Ken's wood breaking technique
Water Duty: We will need both treated/filtered water and bulk untreated water (for boiling or hand washing). There will be two 10L Water carriers in camp to keep filled with untreated water. Periodically solicit water bottles to fill with filtered water at the river.
Music: We love to have music on our trips. If you are a musician, bring your instrument and your song list - we will find a way to spread the load. If you watch the videos you will already know that this is the highlight of many of our trips!
Greet Hikers: Somewhat theatrical. We have two Royal Canadian mounted police uniforms (there will be a Canadian flag hanging across the trail). Wear one of them and greet hikers, present them with a care package, pose for photographs, pass out postcards (if they want them), introduce the other Angels, accept hugs, crack jokes, whatever else comes to mind. Probably not needed in the morning, most new hikers will show up in the afternoon. Click Here to see last year’s video with Sherpa (Seamus) at his best.
Photo/Video: Record events during your watch. Take lots of photo’s and video’s. Get people to talk (ask them their trail name). Make sure to capture our trail angels too!
Click Here to see the 2015 video, or Click Here to see the 2018 video, we’d like to assemble something like this again, can you hep?
Organize Camp: Just keep an eye out for things that are not working well. Help out, Make sure food stays out of the sun and stays (relatively) clean and covered. Help put things away, close containers, swap garbage bags. Make sure all food gets in a bear box before it gets dark.
Seamstress/Repair Station: (suggested by Robin in 2016) - Robin is bringing sewing gear and will make any repairs to clothes or packs needed by hikers. She is also bringing a variety of tools to fix things as needed.
Frisbee Master: Jason (in 2016) had access to a bunch of frisbees and has offered to bring them (on the mules)
Something Unique: If you have a good idea for something that may benefit hikers, suggest it, and then make it happen! Most of the items above have come about by someone taking the initiative to bring something unique to life.