FAQ
[Updated on September 11, 2010]
Is there electricity on the island?
Yes! There is, though only in the buildings. There are no street lamps or floodlights so you will want to bring a flashlight or electric lantern for walking at night.
What sort of wireless coverage can I expect on the island for my cell phone/computer?
There is no wifi (802.11a/b/g/n etc.) or other internet on the island. While there is some coverage from the major cellular carriers, reception quality is going to vary depending on the part of the island you are on (one of the best spots is the ballfield). According to the people we’ve talked to, Verizon coverage is great, T-Mobile is good, Sprint is good, and AT&T is Edge only (no 3G) with ok reception.
What if I’d like a mobility scooter, Pack ‘n Play, or stroller?
They have them on the island, please contact us as soon as possible so we can have the camp staff reserve one for you.
What if it’s cold?
We recommend bringing warm layers in case it is cold. The historical averages for the month of September in that region of NH are: 72 degrees high average, 46 low average, with an overall average of 59 degrees Fahrenheit. The camp will provide blankets, and we will bring extra blankets for those who need it.
What if it rains?
Most activities can still go ahead in the rain, and we have a lot of indoor spaces available. We will move the ceremony indoors if necessary. Bring rain gear in case. Also, because your luggage will be transported some of the time in the open air, it’s recommended that you pack the contents of your luggage inside of plastic bags in case of rain.
Will there be kid-friendly meals available?
There will definitely be kid-friendly options available for the reception dinner and throughout the weekend.
If we plan to arrive on Thursday, what time is the boat shuttle and what else do I need to know?
Once we receive all the RSVPs will we contact everyone who plans to arrive on Thursday to coordinate one or two boat shuttles, most likely for late afternoon/evening. We are planning to have dinner before arriving on the island, and there will be breakfast and lunch on Friday. No activities are planned for Thursday and Friday morning, but there will be time to hang out, play and if you want, help with any last minute things we need to get done. Mostly, come early and relax and play!
Where are the bathrooms?
The major buildings have bathrooms in them. Regular bathroom and hot shower facilities are in communal, centrally located bathhouses near the cabins. Some of the mini-lavs do not have showers, but have only toilets and sinks.
Are there cabins with bathrooms and if so, who gets them?
There are a very small number of cabins with bathrooms, and they will be reserved for those older guests and others with specific need (the wedding couple will be in a regular cabin!)
Is there electricity on the island on the way to the bathrooms?
While there is electricity in your cabin, you will need a flashlight or electric lantern for the short walk to the bath house at night.
What should I wear?
We’ll be in comfortable, casual clothing for the majority of the weekend (i.e. jeans, t-shirts). Please pack clothing that’s comfortable and you can play in. On Saturday night, people are free to dress up (we will be!) We strongly recommend proper footwear while on camp (sneakers, Teva-type sandals); high-heels and flip-flops are not recommended.
Do you have any packing tips?
Bring towels, for both the beach and shower. Bring a flashlight, it will be dark at night. The weather is likely to be chillier in NH than in more southern regions, so pack appropriately (be sure to check the latest weather on the Packing page before you leave). Bring the camp phone number (603-253-4217) and Nate/Laurie’s number with you in case you need anything as you are traveling toward camp. Bring a camera if you have one, we’d love to see your pictures! Keep the weight of individual luggage to 35lbs or less.
When are the boat shuttles?
Friday, Sept 24:
• Boat arrivals from Harilla Landing – 2:00pm, 5:00pm, 9:00pm
Saturday, Sept 25:
• Boat arrivals from Harilla Landing – 11:00am, 4:30pm
• Boat departures from Sandy Island – 9:00pm, 10:30pm
Sunday, Sept 26:
• Boat departures from Sandy Island – 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm
Boat shuttles are available only at scheduled times or for emergencies. Please be sure to arrive at least 15 mins before the scheduled pick up time. Let us know in advance if none of these times work; special arrangements may be possible.
Will the Sandy Island staff supervise/entertain my children while we are at camp?
Unfortunately no. Camp staff will be available to assist us when needed (i.e. for boat usage, campfire set-up, obtaining sports equipment etc.) but they are not available to supervise your children. While camp is a very family-friendly location, with lots of areas to play as a family, it is a 66 acre wooded area that requires parental supervision at all times. Two-way radios are good for older kids. The little red schoolhouse on the island is a great place for our youngest guests, ages 3-6, to play with their parents!
Should I bring a camera?
Yes! We’d be happy for guests to take pictures throughout the weekend. There will be a photographer on-site for the day of the wedding, but otherwise we are hoping people will capture other moments of fun and celebration around the island at other times. (We hope to have a way for everyone to share their digital photos with us and each other, and will post any details about this on the site as soon as we have them.)
What sort of drinks will be available?
At meals there will be juice, milk, water, coffee, and tea. On Friday evening we will additionally be providing beer and soda, and at the reception dinner on Saturday we will be providing beer, wine, and soda. If there is a specific beverage that you would like to have outside of that, feel free to bring it with you.
Is there fishing on the island?
Yes, and while technically you need a license in NH, there haven’t been any issues in the past for people who have fished. The camp has some basic fishing equipment people can use.
What if I’d rather not stay at camp?
While we’d love for everyone to stay with us at camp, we know that it might not be for everyone. We have listed some other options under the ‘Alternatives’ section of our Accommodations page. (We do suggest you book early for alternative accommodations because it is prime foliage season.) If you are staying off-island, you can only come and go from the island on Saturday, the day of the wedding, at specific scheduled times.
What do I do if I encounter a smoke monster or a polar bear?
Then you are on the TV show Lost and you should find your way to our wedding.