Author Archives: bowdishl

Fall 2022 Message from John Tillinghast

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FALL 2022 MESSAGE

It is time to get your camper and campsites ready for the winter.  Be sure to check the schedule so you have time to get everything done before the gates close.

Hello Campers

Unfortunately it has come to that time of year when Fall has arrived and we must think about closing up. I think everyone can agree that despite all the turmoil in the world, we had a pretty good season here at Bowdish Lake and I hope all of you look forward to coming back next season.

The park will officially close on September 30th and after that date you will have two weeks to close up your campers and secure all your belongings.

I ask that you use this time wisely and do not put off closing up ’til the last minute and expect  an extension for you will be frowned upon.

Keep in mind that the pump-out driver can only realistically do twenty pump-outs per day and with over two hundred expected, you must realize that someone has to go first. So sign up early Please!

Halloween

Even though you may close up now I hope you will return in October for Trunk or Treat on the 8th of October.

Prizes will awarded and Amanda Guilbeault has offered to supply refreshments.

Please take the opportunity to thank her for that.

This is a good time and a great way to finish off the season. Hope you all will make an effort to attend.

As far as next year is concerned, Bowdish Lake will be fifty and I would ask for your input as to what we should do to commemorate the moment.  I would love to hear what you think, so please send the suggestions along.

Thanks for your patronage,

Have a great Winter and see you in the Spring

John

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Spring Welcome 2022

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Spring Welcome 2022

Happy Easter Everyone.

Spring Welcome 2022 Ducks on the pondSpring is upon us although it is yet to really feel like it  I hope and trust you have all survived the long Winter and are doing well and are ready to get back to camping.

We have been very busy in preparing the park for your arrival, everything looks good to open on time but you should expect the usual obstacles understanding that Winter cleanup is an ongoing process.

All the utilities are on that we are aware of, if any of you have issues, please let me know. The water system has disinfectant (chlorine) in the pipes for startup so probably it would be safer if you brought your own drinking water this weekend or boiled the water before attempting to drink it. The disinfectant should dissipate in a few days. I would prefer that you hookup your camper to the water while there is disinfectant in the lines, that way the disinfectant will cleanse whatever bacteria is in your campers water system as well. Disinfectant is required by regulation and there is nothing we can do about it.

There are a few changes I wish to inform you of:

    1. Daily visiting will change to 8 pm as previously 10 pm. Anyone who wishes to stay after 8 pm must be registered as an overnight visitor.
    2. There will be no second chances on golf cart speeding.  Either use them responsibly or remove them.
    3. All bikes must be equipped with reflectors for nighttime use. There have simply been too many issues on this.
    4. Due to the war and other turmoil, energy prices are on the rise. I am doing my best to control costs but feel I have no choice but to keep up and hope you will understand. Electric rates will have to increase by 2 cents per kilowatt hour. I have decided to leave the pump-out rates alone.

The park officially opens May 6 for camping, though you are welcome to come any time after the 29th of April and set up.

Spring Welcome 2022 goatsWe are constantly working to improve the park and have many projects in the works. I ordered (last Summer) a water slide for the swimming area. Hopefully it arrives soon, and I am planning a small playground at the beach to further occupy the children’s time while at the beach.

We have signed up some new entertainment along with old favorites and I hope you will put in some time to participate. The animals for the most part survived the Winter and look forward to your attention. My wife Carrie is constantly looking for more animals for you to enjoy and for me to take care of.

Have a good Summer!

John

 

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Halloween 2021 Prize Winners

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Halloween 2021 Prize Winners
Hi Everyone,

Happy Halloween,

The Halloween 2021 Prize winners of last nights festivities are
for sites:

Blue 9 first
Yellow 67 second and
Blue 2 third.

For carts:

Orange 38 first
Yellow 67 second and
Orange 29 third.

Halloween 2021 prizes skeleton pirateAll of you should come to the office and claim your prize.

There were a lot of good participants and the good turnout is always positive.

Again happy Halloween have a safe Winter and see you in the Spring.

John

Halloween 2021 Prize winners
When planning your campground Halloween decorations, consider a few factors. Campgrounds host guests of all ages, and little kids might get scared. If your decorations look too haunting or frightening, consider opting for a more family-friendly route instead. Follow these tips to have fun and decorate your site responsibly:

  • Make sure you clean up: Clean up any trash or residue around your campsite. Make sure you don’t leave any googly eyes, streamers, fake spider webs, pumpkins, bats or other decorations behind.
  • Use eco-friendly materials: Consider using sustainable items or what you already have turned into upcycled crafts if possible. Opt for reusable party supplies instead of disposable plastic to reduce waste.
  • Respect the campground rules: Follow camp guidelines to ensure a safe and comfortable stay. Respecting the rules throughout the festivities protects campers and nature.

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Seasonal Site Forms – Storage Forms

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THESE SEASONAL SITE FORMS ARE FOR PEOPLE WHO ALREADY HAVE A SEASONAL CAMPSITE.  PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT A FORM IN THE HOPE THAT YOU WILL GET A SEASONAL SITE.

REGISTRATION_FORM

WINTER_STORAGE

Please understand that even though one fills out the application that does not mean approval.
JT

SECURITY DEPOSIT

We reserve the right to require a Security Deposit, in cash, refunded if no damage is done and/or no disturbance occurs.  There is also a required removal deposit for any RV more than ten years old.  We also reserve the right to reject any RV that is in poor condition.

NO MOTORCYCLES

or Motorized Bicycles or Mopeds, or Motorized Carts are allowed in the campground at any time.

PARKING

There is No Parking in empty sites or along roadsides, at any time, for any reason.  We must keep the roadways clear for emergency vehicles, therefore there can be no exceptions.  Also, because someone may get to their assigned site only to find it blocked by parked vehicles, we cannot allow this rule to be ignored.

CAMPFIRES

Bowdish Lake Rules about campfiresAll campfires must be fully extinguished by 12 midnight.  No exceptions.  This is a rule required by the fire department to protect the area from a brush fire and to avoid mishaps when the fire department is less available to respond.

Really, because it is a rule that helps protect all of us.  It is not negotiable.  Our security person will check for any fires still burning at midnight and require them to be extinguished.  If necessary, he will dump water on your campfire.

Campground Rules must be followed.  Refusal to follow the rules may result in immediate expulsion from the campground with no refund.

Fall Message to Seasonal Campers

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fall message to seasonal campers skeleton pirate

Hello Campers,

Fall is upon us and while it is sad to think about the end of the season there is still time to get in a few more family campfires and make some more happy memories.

For Halloween entertainment on Saturday October 9th starting at 7pm we are going to have a trunk or treat candy handout at the safari field followed by a guided golf cart parade throughout most of the campground to view the decorated sites.

Also the camp shall be serving Hot coffee or hot and cold cider and mini donut refreshment.

This year there shall be two sets of prizes for both best decorated site as well as best decorated golf cart.
With
$ 500.00 for first prize,
$250.00 for second, and
$100.00 for third.
So do your best and get into the spirit of Halloween.

Hopefully the weather will cooperate.
Rain date shall be Sunday October 10

Please understand that I like to keep these messages upbeat but I do have to take up the subject of increases.

The cost of everything as all of you have experienced has gone up and I feel I have no choice but to keep up.

Some of you will be faced with an extra scoop and that is because you either neglected to pay some fee or gave night security a hard time etc.

Due to assessment changes the waterfront areas will feel most of it.

In life’s experiences I have discovered that things are either relative or there is a penalty and there is simply no way around it.

I believe that in the end that camping and especially Bowdish is overall a good value and hope you will continue with it.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

John

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Fourth of July Weekend 2021

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Hello Campers ,

Happy 4th of July!

July 4th weekend is upon us and unfortunately it’s just like Memorial Day Weekend, weather-wise, so try to make the best of it.

Most activities will go on as scheduled.  The Boat Parade and Fireworks may be delayed a day, so check with the office on the day events are scheduled.  Check the website or pick up a flyer in the office.

There is a utility issue I need to pass along to some of you.  For the past two weeks some of you have noticed low water pressure in certain areas of the park.  We apologize for this and are doing our best to fix it.  We have isolated the affected area, unfortunately we have been unable thus far to locate the leak.  Some of you may be without water until the leak is found and repaired.  Those sites affected are Red 1-40 and Green 31-36.

Again, we apologize for this and will keep you updated on repair progress.

Think positive!  The sun will eventually shine.

Have a Happy 4th!

John

PLEASE DO NOT BRING FIREWORKS INTO OUR CAMP.  THEY ARE NOT SAFE.  WE WANT TO AVOID ANY POSSIBLE ACCIDENT THEY MAY CAUSE.

Thank you.

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM — BEACH OPEN (weather permitting)  Swim only when & where Lifeguard is on duty.  There are State Laws for your Safety.

There is no parking of vehicles at the beach.  We must keep area clear for emergencies. Thank you.

7:00 – 10:00 PM — BEACH REC HALL OPEN – Snack bar and games.

Parents and guardians with children who utilize Beach Rec Hall are encouraged to periodically check in and supervise their children.  We will not tolerate foul language, damage to Rec Hall property, and especially children leaping from pool table to pool table.  If asked to leave Rec Hall, you will lose Rec Hall privileges.

AT DUSK — Chepachet Town Center will be having FIREWORKS (weather permitting)

11:00 PM — ALL QUIET ON SITES.
12 MIDNIGHT – ALL CAMPFIRES FULLY EXTINGUISHED.

CAMPFIRES ARE ALLOWED ONLY IF THEY ARE CONTAINED WITHIN A RING OF STONES, FLAMES ARE NEVER MORE THAN 12 INCHES HIGH, THEY ARE NEVER LEFT UNATTENDED AND ARE FULLY EXTINGUISHED AT MIDNIGHT.

SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021
Starting on Saturday there will be 200 metallic coins hidden around the campground.  Find as many as you can, and go to the Rec Hall on Sunday to cash them in for prizes.

Starting next week, and for the rest of the summer, the coins will be re-hidden each Friday, so find as many as you can and turn them in by Saturday night to the Rec Hall at 8pm the latest!

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM — BEACH OPEN (weather permitting)  Swim only when & where Lifeguard is on duty.  There are State Laws for your Safety.

***CHILDREN AND ADULTS ARE PROHIBITED FROM SWIMMING NEAR OR AROUND THE BOAT DOCKS AT BEACH #1 AND #2. CHILDREN ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO SWIM WITHIN THE ROPED-OFF AREA AT BEACH #1 AND #2.

10:00 AM — BEACH REC HALL – ANIMAL WORLD EXPERIENCE

Please welcome back to camp, ANIMAL WORLD EXPERIENCE!  A great time for all ages!  Interesting creatures to see and learn about and touch.  Always a good time!

7:00 PM — BINGO in BEACH REC HALL

8:00 PM — FOURTH OF JULY BOAT PARADE

9:00 PM — FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR from Beach #1

10:00 PM — GOOD NIGHT to DAY VISITORS.  We hope you enjoyed the day.  Come back soon and enjoy another terrific day at Bowdish.

11:00 PM — ALL QUIET ON SITES.
12 MIDNIGHT – ALL CAMPFIRES FULLY EXTINGUISHED.

CAMPFIRES ARE ALLOWED ONLY IF THEY ARE CONTAINED WITHIN A RING OF STONES, FLAMES ARE NEVER MORE THAN 12 INCHES HIGH, THEY ARE NEVER LEFT UNATTENDED AND ARE FULLY EXTINGUISHED AT MIDNIGHT.

 

SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2021

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM — BEACH OPEN (weather permitting)

10:00 AM – 500 PM — BEACH REC HALL OPEN

12:00 PM — 4TH OF JULY GOLF CART PARADE.  Line up to begin in Safari Field at 11:30 AM.  Dress your golf cart in PATRIOTIC FASHION or just join in for the excitement and silliness of it all!

5:00 PM — CHILDREN’S HAY WAGON RIDE – Pick up and drop off at Safari Field.
Parents, PLEASE do not allow your child to ride unless you are certain he/she will remain seated.  Parents are invited to ride.

8:30 PM — A GAME OF FLASHLIGHT TAG in Safari Field with Miss Elysia.  Flashlights provided or bring your own if you have one.  Best for ages 7 and up.

11:00 PM — ALL QUIET ON SITES.
12 MIDNIGHT – ALL CAMPFIRES FULLY EXTINGUISHED.

 

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Activities June 26 2021 Weekend

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Activities June 26 2021

Activities June 26 2021 Beach Rec Hall

There will be BINGO in the Beach Rec Hall at 7PM

Activities June 26 2021

Following BINGO will be the movie:

AT THE BEACH REC HALL (APPROXIMATELY AT 8 pm)

Canine rocker Bodi and his band discover the price of fame when they go on tour with pop sensation Lil’ Foxy.

Activities June 2021 Rock Dog 2

PARKING

There is No Parking in empty sites or along roadsides, at any time, for any reason.  We must keep the roadways clear for emergency vehicles, therefore there can be no exceptions.  Also, because someone may get to their assigned site only to find it blocked by parked vehicles, we cannot allow this rule to be ignored.

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Memorial Weekend 2021

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Memorial Weekend 2021

Hi everyone, Happy Memorial Weekend 2021.

Memorial Weekend 2021 fishing

Unfortunately mother nature has decided to give us a months worth of rain in one weekend and has decided on this one, So please keep smiling and make the best of it!
All entertainment has been moved indoors or adjacent to the Beach Rec Hall check the Bowdish Times for details.

The security gates and spike strip are back in use anyone without a fob should check in the office and obtain one. Please understand that if you have “lost” your key fob, you can get a replacement but the lost one will be voided.

Please  observe the rules and respect others’ right to a peaceful weekend.

Happy Memorial Day
John

PARKING

There is No Parking in empty sites or along roadsides, at any time, for any reason.  We must keep the roadways clear for emergency vehicles, therefore there can be no exceptions.  Also, because someone may get to their assigned site only to find it blocked by parked vehicles, we cannot allow this rule to be ignored.

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Camping Update 2021 May 15th

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Camping Update 2021

Hi everyone,

Slowly people are filing in and the camp is taking shape. The trees are leafing out as well meaning Summer is just around the corner even though it doesn’t feel like it.Camping Update 2021 trees are leafing out

 I wanted to discuss a few things with you before we get too far along into the season.
  • First many of you are neglecting basic trailer maintenance including battery maintenance. Your converter will not be able to restore a dead battery and if you don’t want a $100.00 dollar electric bill you need to replace your weak or dead battery.
  • We are still fighting with COX about the cable contract and I want you know it could get ugly meaning a disconnect of service . I wanted to apologize in advance  but there is not much I can do to change COX tactics.
  • We are still looking for volunteers to help complete the new docks which we hope to finish Saturday.

Have a good weekend!

John

PARKING

There is No Parking in empty sites or along roadsides, at any time, for any reason.  We must keep the roadways clear for emergency vehicles, therefore there can be no exceptions.  Also, because someone may get to their assigned site only to find it blocked by parked vehicles, we cannot allow this rule to be ignored.

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Mothers Day 2021 Weekend

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Mothers Day 2021

Hello and Happy Mothers Day 2021.

Mothers Day 2021 campfireThis weekend you may have fires so long as they are under 12″ inside a ring of stones, attended to at all times AND fully extinguished at 12PM.

There is a Dock Construction party this weekend at the first beach so anyone  who wishes to help out it would be appreciated.

 

MOTHERS DAY 2021 WEEKEND

There is no cable or internet service this weekend Sorry. COX is a very difficult  company to deal with and the system has to stay off until all outstanding issues are resolved. I thank you for your understanding in this matter.

John

PARKING

There is No Parking in empty sites or along roadsides, at any time, for any reason. We must keep the roadways clear for emergency vehicles, therefore there can be no exceptions. Also, because someone may get to their assigned site only to find it blocked by parked vehicles, we cannot allow this rule to be ignored.

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