1st Time to Safari?First Time to Safari?
There is a first time for everything and we understand that coming to an event like this can be a daunting task. Actually it is quite simple. We will try to explain what you need to do in order to make your experience more enjoyable.
The first step in the process is pre-registering for the event. Although pre-registering is NOT a requirement, we advise it to ensure that no problems will pop up. You will also be able to guarantee yourself (and/or your family) a t-shirt (if you order one) and a Saturday Night dinner (if you order one). Registration is easy. Just click on the CROC Shop and register and pay for the event. You will get an email confirming your order. If you decide to NOT pre-register, that is not a problem. All you will need to do is show up at the event and pay at the registration tent.
The next step is getting there. We have directions to the Badin Lake Group Campground on our site. If you are unsure about these directions, you can use our directions to the El Dorado Outpost and get a forest map there (you can also ask for directions). Once you are on the forest service roads, there are also signs that point you to the campsite. Please note that there is a Badin Lake Campground and a Badin Lake Group Campground. There are VERY close to each other but are not the same place.
When you arrive, the next step depends on what time you get there. The group campground is open on Thursday so if you want to get there a day early, feel free to do so. If you arrive on Friday, the registration tent is open until 6pm. We suggest you get there before then if you can since there will be someone there to answer all our questions. If not, it is still not a problem. Once you enter the group camp, the registration tent will be on your immediate right. Stop there and get your registration packet or pay (for those who did not pre-register). Feel free to ask questions - all of us were first timers at one point.
If you do arrive after 6pm and/or if it is dark, the group campground is essentially a circle. When you drive in, bear to your right. If you follow the road, you will end up where you started. Feel free to drive around once to get an idea what it looks like. The bath house is in the center of the campground. You can camp ANYWHERE you want except in the fenced off area behind the bath house. Do not be shy. Get out, walk around, and talk to some folks that are already there. They will be more than happy to help you out.
There are three sections to the group campground. As you drive around, there are sections A, B, and C. Each section has a set of tent pads off-set from the road (in the woods). There is also a very large open area between section A and B. The event officials will be camping in this open area. Just ask someone and they will point you to us. We understand how difficult it can be arriving at a new place in the dark.
Once you find a place to camp, setup your campsite and start to mingle with your neighbors. The event usually has two guided rides. One on Friday night (yes, a night ride) and one Saturday morning. You should try to get in on one of these rides. It will help acquaint you with the layout of the forest and the trail system.
A lot of people will also strike out on their own with small groups of trucks. Again, ask your neighbors if they will be going out and in most cases, they will ask you to join them.
Saturday evening is when the group meal is served. Usually around 5:30pm or so. We will be selling raffle tickets for raffle that is held after the meal is over. The meal and the raffle are held under the big tent (you will know what we are talking about). Once this is over, most folks will either head to their camp to sit around the fire or go out for another night ride. Just ask anyone that you have met to see if you can join or catch a ride.
We hope that this helps explain things a bit better. It is hard to try and type out what to expect but this document quickly sums up what to expect. If you do have concerns, we would suggest arriving during the daylight hours. This will help you ten-fold since you can see everything. Also, if you can swing it, arrive Thursday. It is not as chaotic and plenty of room is still available for camping, etc.
About Our Charity - The Conservator's Center
This year we are proud to announce that our charity is The Conservators' Center Inc. The Conservators' Center is a nonprofit organization that preserves threatened species through responsible captive breeding, rescuing wildlife in need, and providing educational programs and support worldwide. This is a local charity (Mebane, NC). Check out their website for more information about this cause and how to visit their facility.
See you at the Safari!!
This is an event that is being conducted on the Uwharrie National Forest and is authorized under a Special Use Permit. USDA – Forest Service Nondiscrimination Statement The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.