Initial Steps
- Define Event Scope and Budget
- Determine the number of attendees, the type of camping (e.g., rustic, glamping), and establish a detailed budget for permits, food, supplies, and miscellaneous costs.
- Secure Location and Permits
- Book the campsite/venue for Thursday (arrival) through Sunday (departure). Obtain any required state/local permits, especially if cooking over an open fire or having a large group.
- Create Initial Event Schedule
- Draft a high-level itinerary: Thursday arrival/setup, planned activities for Friday/Saturday, and Sunday cleanup/departure times.
- Develop Essential Checklists
- Create lists for:
- Group Gear (tents, cooking equipment, first aid, tables)
- Food/Beverages
- Personal Packing (for attendees)
- Communicate and Collect RSVPs
- Send out event invitation with date, location, cost (if applicable), and an RSVP deadline. Collect dietary restrictions/allergies.
Pre-Event
- Assign Roles and Responsibilities
- Delegate specific tasks (e.g., Head Cook, Fire Master, Activity Coordinator, First Aid Lead, Cleanup Crew Lead). Communicate these clearly to the team.
- Purchase and Organize Supplies
- Purchase all non-perishable food, beverages, and group supplies (e.g., paper towels, trash bags, bug spray). Organize supplies into labelled bins for easy packing and setup.
- Finalize Meal Planning and Shopping
- Create a final grocery list for perishable items. Ensure all cooking equipment is clean and functional (stoves, coolers, propane).
- Communicate Final Details
- Send a final confirmation email/message to attendees including the detailed schedule, driving directions, emergency contact info, and a reminder of the personal packing list.
- Assign Tavern Games
- Head of Feast: Decides on feast menu for the event, works within budget to
- Head of Fights: Designs and Runs fights for GOTC acts as head Herald during Saturday
- Head of Bardic: MC's and runs Bardic competition Friday Night,
- Head of A&S: Runs A&S Saturday afternoon
- Head of Weapons Check: May or may not be same as Head of Fights, runs weapons checks, secures volunteers to help run weapons check
- Head of Pits of Chaos: Runs Pits of Chaos, decides format and what games will be ran during Pits
- Head of Auction: Secures items for auction, and MCs auction on Saturday night
- Head of Troll: Runs troll Friday and Saturday, ensure booth is staffed with themselves or volunteers from NS during operating hours during event.
- Head of Tavern: Sets up games, secures volunteers to run tavern games , scavenger hunt and bar Friday night
- Vendor Relations: Gets with vendors makes sure they are all good, they know where to set up and they have the appropriate needs and any additional staff pays or is paid.
Thursday: Arrival
- Arrival and Site Check
- The designated Site Lead arrives first (or with the earliest group) to confirm the reservation and check the site condition (e.g., water, electric hookups, fire pit).
- Establish Group Area
- Set up the common areas first: Kitchen/Food Prep, Fire Pit/Seating, and First Aid Station.
- Attendee Tent Setup
- Direct attendees to designated sleeping areas. Ensure tents are placed safely away from fire pits and clear of trip hazards.
- Official Welcome and Safety Briefing
- Gather the group for a welcome message. Review key safety rules: fire protocol, bear/wildlife safety, boundaries, and designate the First Aid contact.
- Attendee Parking Setup
- Designate Tavern Space
- Designate Vendor Alley
- Designate Fighting Field
- Set-up/Decorate Tavern
Friday
- Execute Daily Schedule
- Follow the planned itinerary for meals, hikes, games, or downtime. The Activity Coordinator ensures smooth transitions.
- Food Safety and Waste Management
- Ensure all perishable food is properly stored in coolers with ice. "Pack it in, Pack it out" rule is strictly enforced. All garbage must be secured in designated containers.
- Equipment Check
- The Fire Master ensures the fire is completely extinguished before bed. Check fuel levels for stoves/lamps. Group tents/tarps are secured overnight.
- Open Troll
Saturday
- Execute Daily Schedule
- Follow the planned itinerary for meals, hikes, games, or downtime. The Activity Coordinator ensures smooth transitions.
- Food Safety and Waste Management
- Equipment Check
- Check Restrooms/Stalls Supplies
- Check With Feast Staff/Secure Volunteers
- Open Troll
- Check in With Battlemasters and Weapons Checkers
- Morning Debriefing
Sunday
- Morning Meal and Cleanup Assignment
- Prepare the final meal. The Cleanup Crew Lead assigns teams to specific zones:
- Kitchen/Food
- Trash/Recycling
- Common Area Takedown
- Personal Tent Takedown
- Deep Cleaning and Inventory
- Clean all equipment (coolers, cooking tools, tables). Pack group gear back into labelled bins. Confirm nothing critical has been left behind using the initial Group Gear Checklist.
- Site Inspection and Final Exit
- Perform a final "sweep" of the entire campsite. Leave No Trace: The site must be cleaner than when you arrived. All trash, fire remnants, and personal items must be removed.
- Official Check-Out
- Site Lead checks out with the facility management (if applicable) and secures the event's departure.
Post-Event
- Unpack and Store Gear
- Unpack all group gear. Clean, dry, and repair any damaged equipment immediately before storing it correctly for the next event.
- Review and Debrief
- Hold a quick meeting or send a survey to key organizers/attendees to gather feedback on what went well and what can be improved for the next event.
- Final Documentation
- Update the SOP, checklists, and budget file with lessons learned. Send a thank-you note and photos to all attendees.