Tired of the holiday shopping yet? If so, you are always welcome to join in on some of the camping fun! If the malls have you going mad, feel free to come up and join the maintenance crew in the serene environment of camp as they batten down for the winter. Mike McCarthy and Andy Sherman were last seen emptying out the icehouse, while Tom Marden was working on putting up some hardware cloth in the eaves of the Archery shed. Jennifer Christian and Jason Mennetti had the pleasant task of dealing with the flood of summer registrations that continue to pour in. Or you can always volunteer for the much warmer duty involved in stuffing the calendar packets at the Camping offices at 316 Huntington Ave. so that we can get them sent out in time for Rudolph and his nose so bright. If laughter and good cheer is more your speed, come join us for the alumni social gathering of the season this Saturday. We will be gathering in Rockport at Vincent's Restaurant at 5pm for a little pre-theater dinner before heading to see Keith McCarthy's production of the Wizard of Oz at 7pm.  Last week, George Pacheco and I got a hefty dose of winter in Michigan at the North American Camping Conference at Sherman Lakes YMCA. Not only did we get to see first hand how one of the top year-round camping and conference centers operates, but I also got a chance to pick up a zillion ideas for our Nature program while attending a cornucopia of OEE (Outdoor Environmental Education) seminars. Coming back from the airport I ran into the DiNardos at the Park St. T-station as they were coming back from skating on Frog Pond with Tom announcing that he was already signed up to return next summer. Another surprise awaited me at the office with Elliott Barry's email announcement that "whoever had November 18th in the pool wins. Bonnie and I got engaged! And, it took place on the lovely and  romantic Central Boat Dock!" Fantastic! Although, for the record you know you're getting old when one of your former CIT's is ready to tie the knot. Thanks to all who have been sending in updates and the email addresses of fellow Northwoodsmen! The Wesleyan contingent has certainly grown with the addition of both Rich and Rick Adams. Forestry patrol alum from '67, Jim Phillips checked in from the DC area and our overseas numbers increased with a hola from Eduardo Cobian from Spain.  Keep 'em coming.... David B. Goodwin North Woods Director "Forestry Patrol is packing for the Presidentials!"