A Modern "Primitive Rendezvous"
Today, re-enactors bring this era back to life. Portraying the
Trappers, the Longhunters, the Courier Du Bois, the Traders, the
Artisans and Native Americans of every kind. They gather together
and bring this time of long ago back to life, and they call it
"Rendezvous."
A primitive rendezvous is a gathering of people who are interested in
recreating the lifestyles and traditions practiced by early Americans
involved in the fur trade and exploration of our country's vast
wilderness areas. Personalities portrayed range from participants in
the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, Early American
Longhunters and Western Fur trade characters. The persona's are not
necessarily based on an actual historical figure, often they are based
on the nameless, everyday characters of the time period that represent
a set of frontier skills, lifestyles and character that is uniquely
American in nature.
Modern “primitive rendezvous” take the form of large encampments,
where history buffs gather and practice living as trappers, traders,
boatmen, longhunters, natives, voyagers and soldiers in pre-1840's
style. Why 1840? Well that is kind of the last year of the golden
days of the Rocky Mountain fur trade, the last year when beaver
pelts were harvested in the wild and sold at a wilderness “rendezvous”
in the American west. Camping in white canvas tents, cooking over
an open fire, wearing historically accurate clothing and
accoutrements, participating in period contests of skill and having a
great time doing it are the hallmarks of a modern primitive
rendezvous. Of course where health and safety are concerned,
exceptions can be made, but every attempt should be made to
minimize the use of modern materials and technologies.
Primitive rendezvous are designed for people who are serious about
“living history.” Costumes, camp wares and equipment are required
to be pre-1840. We realize that many people who attend local
rendezvous do not always participate at this level. However, there will
be an area designated for those who are committed to the recreation of
this historical period. If you plan to camp in that area, make certain
that you are committed to portraying this era 100%.
Most of you who attend for the entire event will want and need to
have perishable food items stored in coolers. We understand that this
is a necessary requirement to protect the safety of you and your
family. All that we ask is that you keep the cooler covered and or
stored inside your tent and out of plain view. Throw a tarp over it,
make wooden or canvas cover if you plan to store it outside.
You are responsible for your area, keep it clean at all times. Pick up
all trash, even if it is not yours. All trash MUST be packed out with
you when you leave. And please leave your site as you found it, or
even better than it was. Your co-operation will be greatly appreciated.
WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS. You are responsible
for your own actions. Such as, getting your finger caught while
setting a bear trap, for example. However, First Aid will be available
on site, and EMS will be activated in an emergency.
PARENTS are completely 100% responsible for the SAFETY and
CONDUCT of their children at all times.
All accidents and incidents, even minor mishaps, should be reported
to the Booshway.
A Few Rules To Keep In Mind
The following are general rules and will generally pertain to all
campers.
The Booshway (event leader or organizer) has the final word on all
matters concerning his rendezvous. If you have a question about any
particular rule, refer it to the current Booshway.
Rule # 1 - He is always right, Rule # 2 - See rule # 1!
ABSOLUTELY NO FIGHTING, VERBAL or PHYSICAL ABUSE,
or FOUL LANGUAGE.
QUIET TIME after 10pm, be considerate and have respect for others.
All shelters in the rendezvous area must be constructed of pre-1840
type materials, canvas, oil cloth or other natural fibers, such as
smoked hides or wool blankets. No nylon ropes are to be used, only
manila or hemp. Plastic tarps used for ground cover MUST BE
covered with canvas, or other period correct material.
Campers in the rendezvous area MUST be in pre-1840 clothing at all
times during the event.
This EXCLUDES sneakers, blue jeans, t-shirts, clothing with logos,
baseball caps, etc.
There is an area designated for “modern camps” (nylon or green
canvas tents, etc.), and another area for “tin teepees,” which includes
pop-up campers. Both areas are outside of, but close to the rendezvous
area. Participants in these areas may, but are not required to, be in
period dress, except when in the rendezvous area.
All modern or post-1840 equipment must be kept covered and out of
site. Keep it in your lodge, or out of site from a distance of 30 feet.
No visible aluminum or plastic containers are allowed. Pour your
beverage into a tin cup or appropriate container.
All cups, cookware, dishes etc should be tin, wood, horn, pewter or iron,
when used outside of your tent. Enamelware is not strictly
historically correct but has come to be accepted for use by the
uninitiated pilgrim.
Lighting should be restricted to candle or oil lamps. Use flashlights
only in emergency situations. (Finding your last bottle of beverage at
midnight is not an emergency!)
Pets are allowed in camp at the discretion of the Booshway. Always
keep them quiet, on a leash or tied up and always clean up after
them. It is always a good idea to make sure your pets are vaccinated
before bringing them to a rendezvous. Most states have rules
regarding transport of livestock across state lines, horses are
generally required to have proof of a negative Coggins test before
being permitted into the rendezvous site.
Wood is almost always available at the rendezvous site, but don't
count on it. Water is available from a hydrant outside of the camp
area. Plastic jugs MUST be covered to carry water through the camp
area. It is recommended that you bring your own water for drinking.
Fires must be kept in ABOVE GROUND pits and a period correct and
practical fire bucket must be at each camp. Ashes must be dumped in
the appropriate barrels, before you leave the rendezvous.
ASH CONTAINERS are located behind the shack by the flagpole.
Fires are allowed in accordance with state law and are subject to fire
bans etc., depending on conditions.
Smoking will be allowed unless there is a fire ban in effect. Be
careful with embers, and properly extinguish after use. DON’T throw
your butts on the ground, dispose of them properly. AND NEVER
smoke around flammable items such as Canvas, Fuel Oils, or Black
Powder!
SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE LOADING AREA OF THE
SHOOTING RANGE!!!
DISCHARGE of firearms, longrifle or pistol, is PROHIBITED in
camp. LOADED firearms are NOT allowed in camp for any reason at
any time. There is a shooting range located northeast of the
rendezvous area. Firearms may be loaded in that area only, and
ONLY WHEN A RANGE OFFICER IS PRESENT.
CANNONS ARE PROHIBITED in camp. Cannons with projectiles
might be allowed at the shooting range by approval of the range
officer, in a designated area.
Shooting of arrows, Hawk and Knife Throwing, are not allowed in
camp. There are designated areas for these activities. DO NOT chop,
cut, or mar any live trees.
Trade goods are allowed at the discretion of the Booshway, trade
captain, or trade committee.
Remember-If it is not pre-1840; don't put it out for sale/trade. Many
new and veteran buckskinners rely on traders for there wares, so
please be conscious that they put a lot of faith in that what you sell
at the rendezvous is usable at the rendezvous.
Most states have rules regarding the sale of furs, feathers and other
parts of wild animals often used in pre-1840 accoutrements and
clothing. It is your duty as a trader to investigate these laws and
comply with them if you are planning to offer these items for sale
and trade.
All events must be approved of, and scheduled by the Booshway, as to
not conflict with other events. However, some events may be conducted
at the same time. Scheduled events will be posted on the board located
on the “shack” by the flagpole, and a crier will make camp wide
announcements whenever possible.
Events may include but are not limited to, demonstrations and/or
competitive activities such as Hawk and Knife Throwing, Primitive
Archery, Trap Setting, Dutch Oven Cooking, Fire Starting, Weaving,
Muzzle Loading, Leather Crafts, Story Telling, Music (bring your
guitars and fiddles, ACOUSTIC only), Dancing, Trade Blanket
Round Robin, Kids Games, Pot Luck Supper, Ladies Tea Party,
No Vehicles will be allowed in camp during Rondy, without approval.
Today, re-enactors bring this era back to life. Portraying the
Trappers, the Longhunters, the Courier Du Bois, the Traders, the
Artisans and Native Americans of every kind. They gather together
and bring this time of long ago back to life, and they call it
"Rendezvous."
A primitive rendezvous is a gathering of people who are interested in
recreating the lifestyles and traditions practiced by early Americans
involved in the fur trade and exploration of our country's vast
wilderness areas. Personalities portrayed range from participants in
the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, Early American
Longhunters and Western Fur trade characters. The persona's are not
necessarily based on an actual historical figure, often they are based
on the nameless, everyday characters of the time period that represent
a set of frontier skills, lifestyles and character that is uniquely
American in nature.
Modern “primitive rendezvous” take the form of large encampments,
where history buffs gather and practice living as trappers, traders,
boatmen, longhunters, natives, voyagers and soldiers in pre-1840's
style. Why 1840? Well that is kind of the last year of the golden
days of the Rocky Mountain fur trade, the last year when beaver
pelts were harvested in the wild and sold at a wilderness “rendezvous”
in the American west. Camping in white canvas tents, cooking over
an open fire, wearing historically accurate clothing and
accoutrements, participating in period contests of skill and having a
great time doing it are the hallmarks of a modern primitive
rendezvous. Of course where health and safety are concerned,
exceptions can be made, but every attempt should be made to
minimize the use of modern materials and technologies.
Primitive rendezvous are designed for people who are serious about
“living history.” Costumes, camp wares and equipment are required
to be pre-1840. We realize that many people who attend local
rendezvous do not always participate at this level. However, there will
be an area designated for those who are committed to the recreation of
this historical period. If you plan to camp in that area, make certain
that you are committed to portraying this era 100%.
Most of you who attend for the entire event will want and need to
have perishable food items stored in coolers. We understand that this
is a necessary requirement to protect the safety of you and your
family. All that we ask is that you keep the cooler covered and or
stored inside your tent and out of plain view. Throw a tarp over it,
make wooden or canvas cover if you plan to store it outside.
You are responsible for your area, keep it clean at all times. Pick up
all trash, even if it is not yours. All trash MUST be packed out with
you when you leave. And please leave your site as you found it, or
even better than it was. Your co-operation will be greatly appreciated.
WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS. You are responsible
for your own actions. Such as, getting your finger caught while
setting a bear trap, for example. However, First Aid will be available
on site, and EMS will be activated in an emergency.
PARENTS are completely 100% responsible for the SAFETY and
CONDUCT of their children at all times.
All accidents and incidents, even minor mishaps, should be reported
to the Booshway.
A Few Rules To Keep In Mind
The following are general rules and will generally pertain to all
campers.
The Booshway (event leader or organizer) has the final word on all
matters concerning his rendezvous. If you have a question about any
particular rule, refer it to the current Booshway.
Rule # 1 - He is always right, Rule # 2 - See rule # 1!
ABSOLUTELY NO FIGHTING, VERBAL or PHYSICAL ABUSE,
or FOUL LANGUAGE.
QUIET TIME after 10pm, be considerate and have respect for others.
All shelters in the rendezvous area must be constructed of pre-1840
type materials, canvas, oil cloth or other natural fibers, such as
smoked hides or wool blankets. No nylon ropes are to be used, only
manila or hemp. Plastic tarps used for ground cover MUST BE
covered with canvas, or other period correct material.
Campers in the rendezvous area MUST be in pre-1840 clothing at all
times during the event.
This EXCLUDES sneakers, blue jeans, t-shirts, clothing with logos,
baseball caps, etc.
There is an area designated for “modern camps” (nylon or green
canvas tents, etc.), and another area for “tin teepees,” which includes
pop-up campers. Both areas are outside of, but close to the rendezvous
area. Participants in these areas may, but are not required to, be in
period dress, except when in the rendezvous area.
All modern or post-1840 equipment must be kept covered and out of
site. Keep it in your lodge, or out of site from a distance of 30 feet.
No visible aluminum or plastic containers are allowed. Pour your
beverage into a tin cup or appropriate container.
All cups, cookware, dishes etc should be tin, wood, horn, pewter or iron,
when used outside of your tent. Enamelware is not strictly
historically correct but has come to be accepted for use by the
uninitiated pilgrim.
Lighting should be restricted to candle or oil lamps. Use flashlights
only in emergency situations. (Finding your last bottle of beverage at
midnight is not an emergency!)
Pets are allowed in camp at the discretion of the Booshway. Always
keep them quiet, on a leash or tied up and always clean up after
them. It is always a good idea to make sure your pets are vaccinated
before bringing them to a rendezvous. Most states have rules
regarding transport of livestock across state lines, horses are
generally required to have proof of a negative Coggins test before
being permitted into the rendezvous site.
Wood is almost always available at the rendezvous site, but don't
count on it. Water is available from a hydrant outside of the camp
area. Plastic jugs MUST be covered to carry water through the camp
area. It is recommended that you bring your own water for drinking.
Fires must be kept in ABOVE GROUND pits and a period correct and
practical fire bucket must be at each camp. Ashes must be dumped in
the appropriate barrels, before you leave the rendezvous.
ASH CONTAINERS are located behind the shack by the flagpole.
Fires are allowed in accordance with state law and are subject to fire
bans etc., depending on conditions.
Smoking will be allowed unless there is a fire ban in effect. Be
careful with embers, and properly extinguish after use. DON’T throw
your butts on the ground, dispose of them properly. AND NEVER
smoke around flammable items such as Canvas, Fuel Oils, or Black
Powder!
SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE LOADING AREA OF THE
SHOOTING RANGE!!!
DISCHARGE of firearms, longrifle or pistol, is PROHIBITED in
camp. LOADED firearms are NOT allowed in camp for any reason at
any time. There is a shooting range located northeast of the
rendezvous area. Firearms may be loaded in that area only, and
ONLY WHEN A RANGE OFFICER IS PRESENT.
CANNONS ARE PROHIBITED in camp. Cannons with projectiles
might be allowed at the shooting range by approval of the range
officer, in a designated area.
Shooting of arrows, Hawk and Knife Throwing, are not allowed in
camp. There are designated areas for these activities. DO NOT chop,
cut, or mar any live trees.
Trade goods are allowed at the discretion of the Booshway, trade
captain, or trade committee.
Remember-If it is not pre-1840; don't put it out for sale/trade. Many
new and veteran buckskinners rely on traders for there wares, so
please be conscious that they put a lot of faith in that what you sell
at the rendezvous is usable at the rendezvous.
Most states have rules regarding the sale of furs, feathers and other
parts of wild animals often used in pre-1840 accoutrements and
clothing. It is your duty as a trader to investigate these laws and
comply with them if you are planning to offer these items for sale
and trade.
All events must be approved of, and scheduled by the Booshway, as to
not conflict with other events. However, some events may be conducted
at the same time. Scheduled events will be posted on the board located
on the “shack” by the flagpole, and a crier will make camp wide
announcements whenever possible.
Events may include but are not limited to, demonstrations and/or
competitive activities such as Hawk and Knife Throwing, Primitive
Archery, Trap Setting, Dutch Oven Cooking, Fire Starting, Weaving,
Muzzle Loading, Leather Crafts, Story Telling, Music (bring your
guitars and fiddles, ACOUSTIC only), Dancing, Trade Blanket
Round Robin, Kids Games, Pot Luck Supper, Ladies Tea Party,
No Vehicles will be allowed in camp during Rondy, without approval.
