Shalom family, we are excited to spend Sukkot 2023 with you this year! We wanted to cover some of the rules, schedules and basic information that may prepare your family for an amazing feast of YHWH.
We are gathering at Sweet Water Campground owned by Riverfront Canoe in Lebanon, Missouri. The event will begin Sept 29th (11 a.m. check-in) to Oct 9th 9 a.m. checkout.
We are opening up limited check-in on 9/28 for those who would struggle to arrive on prep-day (fri) and be able to set up before Shabbat starts. Please email us at [email protected] if you need to arrive on 9/28.
Arrive prepared with supplies, as we will begin with a double Shabbat (evening of 9/29 to evening of 10/1). The entrance road is narrow and will be a one way during check-in.
Sukkot Location:
30075 Marigold LN
Lebanon, MO 65536
Some GPS’s will not guide you properly.
This drop-pin will get you exactly one mile away from the campground entrance:
https://maps.apple.com/?ll=37.775573,-92.838565&q=Dropped%20Pin&t=m
Look for the big blue sign: Sweet Water Ranch
Here are the turn-by-turn directions:
Driving Directions:
Important: People have gotten lost using the GPS on their phone. Do not input the address into your phone or it will lead you to a different location! Once you reach Lebanon, MO, use the turn-by-turn instructions only to find Sweet Water Ranch Campground.
Print these directions in case you have no cell service!
Important: RVs and Camper Directions below under “RV Directions” to take the safest route without the hairpin turns, SEE BELOW:
AUTOMOBILE DIRECTIONS:
From Kansas City:
Take Highway 71 South to Harrisonville. At Harrisonville, take Highway 7 South through Clinton and on to Warsaw. At Warsaw, take Highway 65 South to Louisburg. At Louisburg, take Highway 64 East to Marigold Drive (the first left turn after the Niangua River Bridge). Stay on Marigold 6/10 of a mile and stay left at split. Continue 4.1 miles and stay left at the next split. Follow Marigold another 1.8 miles until you reach the Ranch.
From Saint Louis:
Take I 44 to Lebanon and Highway 64 West to Bennett Springs. Just before crossing the Niangua River Bridge, turn right on Marigold Drive. Stay on Marigold 6/10 of a mile and stay left at split. Continue 4.1 miles and stay left at the next split. Follow Marigold another 1.8 miles until you reach the Ranch.
From Branson:
I 44 E to Lebanon and Highway 64 West to Bennett Springs. Just before crossing the Niangua River Bridge, turn right on Marigold Drive. Stay on Marigold 6/10 of a mile and stay left at split. Continue 4.1 miles and stay left at the next split. Follow Marigold another 1.8 miles until you reach the Ranch.
Also, there’s alternate directions BELOW for large campers/RV’s, as the main road has some interesting hairpin turns:
If you absolutely get lost, the number for the main campground (not the one we are staying at) is: 417-588-3386 – Only call if you have to, let’s try not to wear them out.
RV AND CAMPERS DIRECTIONS – Turn-By-Turn Directions from Lebanon, MO:
(Warning, the road was recently ‘graded’ and is very rough on this route. If you have to take it, consider going very slow. We were easily able to make it with our 37′ bumper pull on the main route)
From Highway 64:
- Turn NORTH onto AA (see the Dollar General Store in Lebanon, MO in Laclede County).
- Go 2 miles
- Turn WEST (LEFT) onto WW
- Go about 3 miles
- Turn NORTH (RIGHT) onto MAINE ROAD
- Go about 1 mile
- Keep LEFT at the fork onto INDUSTRY RD. (dirt road)
(if you arrive in the Township of Hooker you did not keep left on Industry)
- Go about 3 miles
- Turn NORTH (RIGHT) onto MARIGOLD DRIVE.
- Look for SWEET WATER RANCH SIGN
- Turn WEST (LEFT) at the SIGN onto a small dirt road (ENTRANCE).
- Go about 3 miles (very careful and slow driving in hairpin turns until you arrive at the campgrounds)
Arrival
11 a.m. check-in. We will be randomly assigning you to a ‘tribe’ of Israel. We will also be sectioning off the campsite based on tribes, so you will camp near others in your tribe. If you have other parties you’d like to camp with, let us know at check-in, so we can keep you together.
-There will be a ‘declaration of faith’ at sign up, to confirm you and the members of your party are believers in Yahuah through Yahusha our messiah, and believe we are to walk in Torah to the best of our current understanding. It is our job to make sure wolves do not enter the camp; please do not be offended by this. If you’re bringing a family member with you who is not quite on board yet, but you think this experience will be a great witness to them, bring them, by all means! We are doing this verbal check, to make sure no one is coming here with guile.
Schedule (subject to change)
Campsite
RV/Camper: Be prepared with water hose splitters, 50amp to 30amp connectors (or vice versa).
– Most of you who have signed up will be boondocking, as there are only 12 hookups. If you need to run a generator, please try and bring the type that aren’t too loud (inverters).
For those of you who will be staying in tents, there is limited availability for electricity. We will be providing for the elderly and needy first.
There are 5 showers and 5 full restrooms, but there will be many port-a-potty’s throughout the campsite. The main campsite (15-20 min drive) has many more showers we can use if lines get long.
Map (will be updated for Sukkot soon)
Cabins
The main campground (15-20 min away) has some cabins available for an extra charge; Riverfront Camp and Canoe. https://riverfrontcampcanoe.com/
Baptism
We will be baptizing several times throughout the feast (TBA).
Shabbats
There will be four Shabbats while we are camping. The evening of the 29th through the evening of the 30th is the normal weekly Shabbat. Then, the 30th of Sept through the evening of the 1st of Oct the first day of Sukkot (a Shabbat). Then the evening of the 6th through the evening of the 7th is the regular weekly Shabbat. Last, but not least, the 8th great day (a Shabbat) will be the evening of the 7th through the evening of the 8th of Oct.
No buying or selling is allowed during these time periods, so make sure to plan accordingly, especially before you arrive. Cooking will be allowed during these times. If you’d like to know why we are led to allow cooking on Shabbats, please review this study: Cooking on Shabbat?
Events
You can participate in what you’d like. Everything is optional, however we would strongly recommend being a part of our community scripture readings, dinner meals and praise & worship at night. Everyone here is family, there is no such things as ‘cliques’ or the ‘cool crowd’. We are all the cool crowd here in Yahusha!
We have a large enclosed tent for our ‘place of meeting’. In this tent, we will gather for:
- Scripture readings.
- Community meals
- Studies/teachings (although it will be reading heavy, and light on the ‘teachings’)
- Activities
- Music (most nights)
- Dancing (most nights)
- Teen Gatherings
Booths
On non Shabbat days, booths will be allowed on site. You may buy sell/trade/give away any approved goods (email us in advance for approval). We will also be inviting local farmers to bring their goods for sale.
Activities
Scripture readings: We will be looking for volunteers to read, perhaps 2 chapters each. Please be able to read clearly and concisely, so all may understand, and so we can get through them in a timely manner. Bring your lunch and enjoy it during the reading.
Children:
Bounce house
Craft stations (coloring, paint, bubbles, outdoor activities) during scripture readings.
Family
Shofar BLASTING!
Horseshoes
Corn hole
Trivia
Adult:
Men & Women meetings
Midrash – These are fun fun fun!
Teen
Teen gatherings
Capture the flag
Guest speakers
Food
The ministry will be providing three meals, the evenings of 9/30, 10/3 & 10/7. We do our best to provide organic and non-gmo ingredients. Furthermore, the beef being used comes from a local family in Torah, raised without any vaccines, grass fed, grass finished and butchered properly.
Please bring your own cups, and other ways to store water for your campsite. The well water at the campground is good to drink, we just need you to bring your own vessel. As always, we encourage you to bring your own reusable dishware, but we will have paper plates and utensils for those who cannot.
We are wanting to keep this whole campground ‘set-apart’ from all unclean foods. We will have a list available to you of the common foods to avoid. Also, there are major grocery stores (including Aldi’s) appx 15 miles away — we will discuss that more in a moment.
Alcohol
Alcohol is allowed on site. This is Yahuah’s feast, so enjoy yourself, but responsibly. If you can’t handle yourself appropriately (become a drunkard), we will warn you, then ask you to leave for a 2nd offense. Keep the bottles in your area – walk around with cups/mugs.
Tobacco
Smoking is not allowed in camp. There will be designated areas outside the camp.
Cannabis
Smoking is not allowed in camp.
Hot Topics
We know there are some ‘hot’ topics of discussion in the Torah community, and healthy sharpening of one another is always welcomed. Please don’t be ‘that guy’ (or gal) that comes to these large gatherings just to argue about your calendar being the only correct one. Likewise many of the other topics; please come to fellowship in love, recognizing this is a Set-apart feast, and not the time for harsh debates. Matthew 18 is to be followed here. If you have an issue with someone, tell them one on one. If they do not hear you, then bring your tribe leader with you. If they still won’t listen, then it will be brought up before the tribe leaders for dismissal from the feast. This will be a place of Shalom, not discord. Likewise gossip and slander will not be allowed; one warning then dismissal for gossip and slander, we will not tolerate it, as this behavior breaks shalom and fellowship quicker than anything else.
Firewood & Ice
We will be using a portion of the donations to purchase firewood for community use. It would be a good idea for anyone who has an abundance, and an ability to bring some, to please do so. Nevertheless, there will also be firewood available close to the campsite.
Ice will be available on check-in day and other days TBA.
Local Shopping
Major shopping is available within 15 miles of the campsite. We are also attempting to get farmers to bring their produce to sell on-site.
- Price Cutter (mid priced and decent organic selections)
- Aldi’s (most of you know about them)
- Walmart
- Others
Basics for each family to bring
Kitchen
Plates/bowls/drink ware
Silverware/cutlery
Scripturally clean food/drinks for individual and potluck meals
Water/water filter
Camp stove/grill
Firewood/charcoal
Spatulas/tongs/skewers
Mixing bowls/measuring cups/spoons/serving utensils
Pots/pans/skillets/pot holders/CrockPot
Tupperware/ziplock bags
Ice chest/cooler
Wash bin/soap/sponges/dish cloths
Trash bags
Dish soap
Water jug
Personal care
Shampoo/soap/washcloths
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Towels
Hairbrush/comb
TP
Essential oils (peppermint)/Bug spray
Tent
Tent/camper
Ground tarp
Hammer/mallet
Mattress/camping mat/cot/hammock
Sheets/sleeping bag/blankets/pillows
Lanterns/lighting/flashlights
Rugs, broom, etc.
Tent waterproofing spray (camp dry)
Solar ground or rope lights
Campsite
Lighters, flashlight, headlamp, lantern, batteries
Paracord, duct/electrical tape, carabiners, clothespins
Hatchet, knife, handsaw
Canopy/chairs/tables
First aid kit
Extension cords/power strip
Gloves
Water Bucket/container
5 gallon bucket with lugaloo lid (for nighttime emergency toilet)
Clothing
Clothing (9 days) (temperatures ranging anywhere from 30°F to 80°F — Missouri weather :))
Jacket/coat/raincoat/hats/scarves/head coverings
Sandals/boots (rain boots – a must)
Please, modest clothing
– Shorts past finger length
– Avoiding low necklines
Modest swimwear (covering your body), men wear shirts.
Pets (allowed if well behaved)
Food/water/bowls
Leash/ground stake/pin/corral
Bedding
Waste bags (because it is a campground and there will be a lot of foot traffic)
– It is Torah to bury solid waste
Miscellaneous
Instruments
Shofars
Scripture
Canopy
Lights
Decor
Camping chairs
Necessities for community needs
Crock pot’s
Insta-pot’s
Pots & pans
Serving utensils
Extension cords
Splitters
Cabin
There is a 2 bedroom cabin on-site that will be reserved for pregnant and nursing moms as a place to congregate and relax.
Donations
We are asking for donations to put towards many of the miscellaneous things that come up, and for those who want to attend, but cannot afford it. Contact us at [email protected] if you feel led.
Problem Resolution
Matthew 18 will be followed
***Fishing licenses***
(Great fishing here)
Out of state Fishing license
$52 +10 (trout)
First Aid
We will have first aid supplies on hand. We also have some first responders attending that I’m aware of now, but if you are trained in any type of first aid, or care in general, please let us know at check-in. The more we have, the better.
Security
We will have a nightly ‘fire watch’, looking over the camp. If you are an able bodied man that wants to help with overseeing the camps safety during sleeping hours, let us know at check-in.
Trash
There is a centralized dumpster for use. Please keep your individual areas clean at all times. Remember, the Torah says Yahuah walks among us, let’s keep that in mind 🙂
Campfires
Yes of course! There is a central one, but we can make campfires at each of our individual sites. This is one of the highlight every year!
There is probably much more to cover, but hopefully this answers some basic questions.
Please get to know this song, as we will be singing it often while we are there:
Looking forward to Sukkot’n with you,
Leadership team
