Walking along the farmland roads or through state forests can be a wonderful meditative pastime. Please prepare yourself properly and follow these guidelines when walking outside the camp perimeter:

· Sign out on the centers off-site sign-out sheet and verbally tell someone you are going and when to expect you back.

· Always walk with a companion.

· Take at least a quart of water per person.

· Do not drink from local streams as there are many cattle farms nearby that have contaminated them.

· Please do not disturb planted fields or grazing cattle. Plants may be at a delicate juncture in their growing cycle and cattle may produce less milk when frightened.

· If hiking through state forest, wear bright colors.

· Heed all "No Trespassing" signs.

· In season, be alert for hunters.

Lyme Disease

There are many deer in the area and, although this area is much less afflicted, these deer may be infested with the tick that carries Lyme Disease. There are new vaccines for Lyme Disease available now, so consult your doctor prior to leaving for the retreat about the possibility of getting vaccinated. It may take several months for the vaccine to take effect. In any case, insect repellant is recommended.