Spring Bandout

(registration information at the bottom of this page)

Come and join Ohio's Bird Banders, their families and friends in beautiful, exotic, Hocking Hills, Ohio.  

This event is not just for bird banders. All OBBA outings, meetings and activities are open to anyone! We encourage students, teachers/professors and their classes, families and friends to take advantage of an opportunity to enjoy and learn about nature and see the mysterious birds, often heard but seldom seen, up close and personal -- In Hand! A great photo opportunity and educational experience.

Cabin lodging and tent camping are available. At the "on-camp" banding site there is a pond for catch -and-release fishing (bring your own fishing supplies), canoeing and newt hunting. Take advantage of 100+ acres of foothills, hiking trails, creeks, an open field for sports and games, and all the nature and wildlife you can absorb--including the gentle sounds of the night from the camp's resident Whip-Poor-Will, and the enchanting Spring Peepers. 

Sign your children up with the Central Ohio Campfire Boys and Girls "Spring Skills Weekend" where Bird Banding will be part of the programming. 

Clear Creek Metroparks Trails are just outside the camp property -- walking distance away! 

Bring a telescope and view the stars and milky way galaxy like you've never seen them before! 

You are welcomed to join us just for the day on Saturday if staying overnight is not convenient. Bring a sack lunch. It does not cost anything to visit on Saturday.

On Saturday, banding begins at sunup and continues until sundown. Comradery follows at the cabin until "lights out". Then sunup on Sunday starts another day of banding which continues until early afternoon.

Where is this event? 

Can I bring friends or a group of friends just for the day?

The lodging facility is part of a youth camp of Campfire USA, Central Ohio Council. The name of the camp is Camp Wyandot. 

How much does it cost? What is included?

*Lodging includes a choice of various primitive and/or semi-primitive selections: 

• tent spaces (bring your own tents/tarps)

• small camper (bring your own) Sorry, Nothing larger than a popup camper or van size RV is accessible to camp grounds.

• screened cabin w/ no electricity or heat, if available by Campfire USA. Sleeps 8 -- first come first served basis ("f-c-f-s-b")

• one rustic cabin with wood burning stove/fireplace for heat and sleeps 12  - (f-c-f-s-b). OBBA banding station operators, OBBA members, and parents with infants receive preference.

• outhouses throughout camp

• bathhouse with showers, sink and flush toilets (available to everyone at camp).

• "grillables" (hamburger, beef hot dog, metts/brats,

• peanut butter & jelly sandwiches

• cold-meat sandwiches

• toast, bagels, pop tarts

• orange Juice, milk, soft drinks, fruit punch, water, coffee, tea

• various vegetables and fruit

• snacks (some provided, some shared)

• breads/buns (wheat & white)

• condiments

***Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast will be provided by the camp and we will eat/mingle with the campers at the camp dining hall.

This menu may include more "cookable" meals if someone is willing to take on the role as "camp cook" for the event. E-mail Tim Tolford if you are interested or willing to share the responsibility.  subject "bandout".

NOTE to those with DISABILITIES: Although the camp where we will be staying is in the process of bringing the facility up to ADA standards, due to financial strains and the lack of available funding the process has been moving very slowly. This, including the extremely hilly and bumpy terrain, may limit the ability of those in wheelchairs to have easy access to various parts of the camp, including the banding stations, most bathroom facilities and most cabins. 

How does one get "signed up"?

For group or family visits, contact Tim Tolford at e-mail on or before the posted deadline.

Groups and/or visitors wishing to visit for the morning, afternoon, or entire day are welcomed and do not have to pay. Meals will be their own responsibility. Please contact Tim Tolford if you plan to visit with the size of your group by Wed. the 20th. 

To register for the overnight, print and complete the registration form below. Form and fees must be received on or before Friday, April 15, 2005.

Mail your registration to T.K. Tolford, P.O. Box 157, Liberty, IN 47353-0157 on or before April 15.