The MCH Parent Association is sponsoring a camping event at Tolt MacDonald Park in Carnation, WA the weekend of June 24th. Please see below for frequently asked questions regarding the event.
FAQ
Food, Water & Sanitation
Is the PA providing any meals, or are we on our own?
MCH PA will provide hot dogs (both meat and vegetarian) for lunch on Saturday the 24th, as well as pancakes Sunday morning. We will also provide some coffee, tea, hot chocolate, as well as supplies for smores. The PA will not be providing any snacks or additional meals. Please plan accordingly.
What is the cooking situation at the campground?
We highly recommend that you pack enough supplies for your party. The camp has several small sized public grills available, to be shared with other families. We recommend that you bring your own camp stove and necessary fuel to cook your own meals.
The camp does have several electrical outlets for usage in the shelter but these are limited and will also be shared with others. We do encourage cooking at the campsite for the full camping experience. For those who are new to camping or wish not to cook, the camp is near several local restaurants and you can purchase food to bring back to the camp grounds for meals.
Are there available sources of clean water?
The campground has access to 3 water sources. It is supposed to be potable, but we recommend boiling the water for better sanitation. Alternatively, you can bring in bottled water for your own consumption.
Are there restrooms at the campsite?
Yes, there are restrooms in the middle of our campsites. See map below.
Medical
Will there be certified medical staff on-site for any potential emergencies?
MCH PA members will bring several first aid kits but we cannot guarantee that we will have the necessary medical supplies for any incident needs. We also do not have a certified medical individual on-site so you will be responsible for the well-being of your party.
There is an urgent care for EvergreenHealth in Sammamish. EvergreenHealth and Swedish both have emergency rooms in Redmond, and Overlake has emergency rooms in Issaquah. There is also the Eastside fire and rescue station down the street from the campground in downtown Carnation.
Are there any dangers to be aware of?
Our campsites and picnic shelter are close to the Snoqualmie River. The water in the river is cold, and the river has a fast current. We are discouraging any families and kids from playing near or in the water. Please keep an eye on your kid(s) at all times to ensure they do not go running near or into the water. And as with any campground/park, please be on the lookout for wildlife. All food should be kept in airtight containers and if you do encounter animals, please keep your distance.
Logistics
What time can we arrive?
The campsites are booked from Friday, June 23rd 3pm to Sunday June 25th 12pm. Families are welcome to arrive as early as Friday 3pm if they want to maximize camping time. PA support and check-in will begin Saturday morning at 8:30am.
Which campsites are we staying at?
We will be staying at the sites after you cross the bridge. For reference, we have Yurts 1-6, Campsites 30-35, the shipping container, and the picnic and bridge shelters booked for our event.
How do we carry our stuff in?
You can drive in close to the walking bridge where there are black wheelbarrows provided by the park that everyone can use to carry their stuff back and forth to their cars (See map here). It is suggested that you bring gloves as the wheelbarrows wear on your hands. Make sure you park in one of the designated parking areas and not in a camper/RV parking spot, which are reserved and cost money.
Itinerary
Tentative, subject to change
Saturday, June 24
Sunday, June 25
How do I donate funds to the PA to cover the cost of a yurt/shipping container or adult t-shirts?
Yurts/shipping containers are $90 per yurt and adult t-shirts are $5 each. You can make your donation online directly at: https://www.mch-pa.org/give.html
You can also make a check to: MCH Parent Advisory Board. Checks can be dropped off in the PA mail basket at the school office or brought with you the day of the camping event.
Things to Bring
Camping gear
Please see this list for a suggested list of items to bring for your camping experience.
Can we bring bikes?
Biking is allowed at Tolt MacDonald. Due to the size of the event and to prevent injuries, we encourage you to leave your bikes at home if your child/children don't have good mastery or control of their bicycle. We also ask that you ride on the permitted trails, and not around the campsite area.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed at Tolt MacDonald park as long as they are on-leash. Due to the size of the event, we ask that you use your best judgment on deciding whether or not to bring your furry friend. Dogs that are hyper active, aggressive, and loud should not be brought to the park. Please be responsible and watch over your dogs if you choose to bring them.
Can we bring alcohol?
Since this is a family event at a public park, alcohol is not allowed at this event.
Is the PA providing any meals, or are we on our own?
MCH PA will provide hot dogs (both meat and vegetarian) for lunch on Saturday the 24th, as well as pancakes Sunday morning. We will also provide some coffee, tea, hot chocolate, as well as supplies for smores. The PA will not be providing any snacks or additional meals. Please plan accordingly.
What is the cooking situation at the campground?
We highly recommend that you pack enough supplies for your party. The camp has several small sized public grills available, to be shared with other families. We recommend that you bring your own camp stove and necessary fuel to cook your own meals.
The camp does have several electrical outlets for usage in the shelter but these are limited and will also be shared with others. We do encourage cooking at the campsite for the full camping experience. For those who are new to camping or wish not to cook, the camp is near several local restaurants and you can purchase food to bring back to the camp grounds for meals.
Are there available sources of clean water?
The campground has access to 3 water sources. It is supposed to be potable, but we recommend boiling the water for better sanitation. Alternatively, you can bring in bottled water for your own consumption.
Are there restrooms at the campsite?
Yes, there are restrooms in the middle of our campsites. See map below.
Medical
Will there be certified medical staff on-site for any potential emergencies?
MCH PA members will bring several first aid kits but we cannot guarantee that we will have the necessary medical supplies for any incident needs. We also do not have a certified medical individual on-site so you will be responsible for the well-being of your party.
There is an urgent care for EvergreenHealth in Sammamish. EvergreenHealth and Swedish both have emergency rooms in Redmond, and Overlake has emergency rooms in Issaquah. There is also the Eastside fire and rescue station down the street from the campground in downtown Carnation.
Are there any dangers to be aware of?
Our campsites and picnic shelter are close to the Snoqualmie River. The water in the river is cold, and the river has a fast current. We are discouraging any families and kids from playing near or in the water. Please keep an eye on your kid(s) at all times to ensure they do not go running near or into the water. And as with any campground/park, please be on the lookout for wildlife. All food should be kept in airtight containers and if you do encounter animals, please keep your distance.
Logistics
What time can we arrive?
The campsites are booked from Friday, June 23rd 3pm to Sunday June 25th 12pm. Families are welcome to arrive as early as Friday 3pm if they want to maximize camping time. PA support and check-in will begin Saturday morning at 8:30am.
Which campsites are we staying at?
We will be staying at the sites after you cross the bridge. For reference, we have Yurts 1-6, Campsites 30-35, the shipping container, and the picnic and bridge shelters booked for our event.
How do we carry our stuff in?
You can drive in close to the walking bridge where there are black wheelbarrows provided by the park that everyone can use to carry their stuff back and forth to their cars (See map here). It is suggested that you bring gloves as the wheelbarrows wear on your hands. Make sure you park in one of the designated parking areas and not in a camper/RV parking spot, which are reserved and cost money.
Itinerary
Tentative, subject to change
Saturday, June 24
- 8:30 – 10:00 AM Check-in and Campsite Setup
- 10:00 – 10:30 AM Circle Time (Welcome, Introductions, Rules/Safety)
- 10:30 – 11:30 AM Hike/Trail Walk
- 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Lunch
- 1:00 – 2:00 PM Free Time
- 2:00 – 3:00 PM Recess (Family Game Day: Round Three)
- 3:00 – 3:30 PM Snack Break
- 3:30 – 5:00 PM Scavenger Hunt
- 5:00 – 6:30 PM Dinner
- 6:30 – 7:30 PM Campfire/Smores
- 8:00 PM Quiet Hours Begin (Sunset at 9:10 PM)
Sunday, June 25
- 7:30 – 9:00 AM Breakfast (Sunrise at 5:11 AM)
- 9:00 – 10:00 AM Hike/Trail Walk
- 10:00 – 10:30 AM Circle Time (Wrap-up)
- 10:30 – 11:30 AM Clean Up
- Noon Goodbyes
How do I donate funds to the PA to cover the cost of a yurt/shipping container or adult t-shirts?
Yurts/shipping containers are $90 per yurt and adult t-shirts are $5 each. You can make your donation online directly at: https://www.mch-pa.org/give.html
You can also make a check to: MCH Parent Advisory Board. Checks can be dropped off in the PA mail basket at the school office or brought with you the day of the camping event.
Things to Bring
Camping gear
Please see this list for a suggested list of items to bring for your camping experience.
Can we bring bikes?
Biking is allowed at Tolt MacDonald. Due to the size of the event and to prevent injuries, we encourage you to leave your bikes at home if your child/children don't have good mastery or control of their bicycle. We also ask that you ride on the permitted trails, and not around the campsite area.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed at Tolt MacDonald park as long as they are on-leash. Due to the size of the event, we ask that you use your best judgment on deciding whether or not to bring your furry friend. Dogs that are hyper active, aggressive, and loud should not be brought to the park. Please be responsible and watch over your dogs if you choose to bring them.
Can we bring alcohol?
Since this is a family event at a public park, alcohol is not allowed at this event.