April Mega!
Don’t know about you, but some of us had 12 inches of snow in our driveways just a few days ago. Enough of winter! Your friends at OTA are going to help you get over it. Spring is just around the corner. Remember spring? Daffodils and Blue Bells in full bloom, cool sunny days, lacey green leaves bursting forth and bringing the brown Missouri forest to life again, “spring peeper” frogs announcing the new season, that sweet pungent smell of moist woodlands after a morning fog or a gentle spring rain, a nearly full moon set in a black star-filled sky and crisp nights around a campfire. The people around that campfire often become good friends.
We call this a "Mega Event" for good reason-- it's huge. Huge fun, lots of trail built, and oh-so-much to do all weekend. We'll have complimentary camping, complimentary lunch and dinner, live bluegrass music, optional outings on Sunday... it's a Mega-Good-Time.
Our favorite part about Mega Events is new faces. About half of our attendees have never built trail before, so we will have our trained crew leaders conduct morning training sessions on the trail and mentor folks all day. This is a great opportunity to "give back" to the Ozark Trail, no matter if you're a seasoned veteran or attending your (and some dogs too) -- whether you're 7 or 70, you can help build an Ozark legacy. You will work at your own pace and you'll meet new friends and create lasting memories.
We'll supply the tools, training, lunch and supper. Bring water, gloves, boots, and loose-fitting clothes (plus camping gear if you plan on spending one or two nights with us).
If you sign up electronically and attend this event, our friends at Alpine Shop will give you a free pair of $15 Smart Wool hiking socks and a cotton T-shirt. Be sure to give us your gender and shoe size in the comments section of the form when you sign up online so we can have your new socks ready for you when you come to the registration table Saturday morning. Also specify S, M, L, XL or XXL for the size of the unisex T-shirt you’d like. In addition, Alpine Shop and Patagonia will provide lots of goodies for our traditional raffle and silent auction, to be held just before the BBQ dinner on Saturday afternoon. Finally, we hope to have some equipment demonstrations set up at the campsite so you can have a look at some of the newest gear. This part is still a work in progress.
Don't miss out! Be sure to
sign up for this
event online today! [driving directions]
NOTE: With this event we welcome a new OTA event sponsor: Bass' River Resort. Stephen Bass and his family will be providing our OTA volunteers with free group camping, meeting areas, toilets and firewood. There is an on-site store if you need provisions, plus quarter-operated showers if you want to clean up before the BBQ. If you'd like a private campsite or a cabin, please contact Stephen at 800-392-3700 (and mention the "OTA discount").
Schedule of Events
| Friday April 18th |
Come on down the night before and camp for free at the designated group campground at Bass' River Resort. Follow the signs to the OTA greeter to register. Free group camping. Private campsites plus cabins are available for a discounted fee through Bass' River Resort.
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| Saturday April 19th |
7:30am- 8:30 am - Registration at the OTA tent. Get registered, get your name tag and team assignment, pick up your complimentary lunch and assemble your gear. |
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8:45 am - Kick-off meeting & safety talk. We'll introduce the OTA folks including the crew leaders, review some basic safety instructions, then split into teams. |
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9:00 am - Build some trail! Our
experienced crew leaders will teach you everything you need to
know, and trail novices are always welcome. Tools
provided. Wear pants, layered clothing, gloves, boots and have a day-pack for your lunch and personal hydration. |
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Noon - Take a break, have some lunch, chat with your fellow crew. Lunch is complimentary (you'll pick it up at registration). When you sign up, please specify if you
need a non-meat sandwich. Bring your own water/beverage. |
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2 to 3 pm - Trail building is fun, but we
never overdo a good thing. Time to head back to the
campground (after reviewing our excellent work, that is) |
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4 to 6 pm - Complimentary BBQ, a raffle, a roaring bonfire and live bluegrass
music. Group camping is
free for all volunteers (discounted private sites and cabins are also available from Bass' River Resort). |
| Sunday April 20th |
All Day - Join us in several optional
trail hiking/riding events, or take a canoe trip on the beautiful Courtois Creek. |
Free food, a good
campfire, entertainment, raffles, life-long memories-- what are
you waiting for?
Sign up today!
If you have any questions about this event,
please contact
John Roth via email. Please include your phone number in
case John needs to call you back.
The Ozark Trail is a true
Missouri Treasure. Your contribution will last for
generations to come.
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