Most jobs are light duty, shared across the group, and rotate by campground. The kitty funds food and celebrations, and the caravan provides the big equipment — radios, flags, firepit, sound system.
Team assignments are coordinated by the caravan leaders. Sign-ups were circulated by email; if you'd like to switch or add a role, just tell one of the co-leaders.
Moving Day & On the Road
5 teamsEarly Crew
Leaves with the Leader, usually one to two hours before the rest of the caravan, stopping along the route to enjoy the drive. Made up of 2–3 rigs of Parkers and, at times, a Cooking Team.
Parkers
Assigned per campground; they arrive with the Early Crew, set up their own rigs, then greet arriving caravanners with orange flags and caravan-provided GMRS radios — directing everyone to their site and confirming when all rigs are in. On duty for the assigned two hours.
Please don't arrive before the appointed time — the Parkers need it to set up their own rigs.
Deparkers
Safety first: they set up a departure inspection point and check each rig for the classic misses — lights out, tongue jack down, hitch pin missing, stabilizers or steps down, antenna up, vents open, torsion bars unlatched, storage doors open, sewer cap loose. On duty for one hour after the Early Crew leaves.
Caboose
Normally the last Airstream out — about an hour behind the Early Crew. Makes sure the grounds are clean and everyone has left. Staying longer? Let the Caboose know your plans.
Mechanical Advisors
One or more handy folks who offer advice and/or assistance with any repairs needed along the way.
Camp Life & Celebrations
7 teamsCooking Team
Provides an entire meal at the scheduled cookouts or group meals — menu, shopping (funded from the kitty), setup, cooking, serving, and cleanup. The golden rule: keep it simple.
Everyone brings their own "set-ups" (plate, utensils, drink). The leaders carry salt, pepper, dish soap, trash bags, paper towels, gloves, and serving/cooking containers.
Social Team
Plans the evening get-togethers — campfire, storytelling, sing-along, line dancing, game night, ice cream social, or just cheese and crackers and conversation. Purchases, prepares, serves and cleans up; funds come from the kitty. Be creative!
Campfire Tenders
Take the lead arranging and managing a campfire (propane firepit provided) at gatherings where fires are allowed — transporting, setting up and taking down the equipment.
Celebration Team
Recognizes birthdays and anniversaries at meetings, meals and socials — and celebrating Mondays or any other small occasion with a group cheer is encouraged. There's money in the budget for these. Make it fun!
Music Makers
For those traveling with instruments — or who just love to sing. Jam sessions at campgrounds as the participants and schedule allow.
Equipment Wrangler
Keeps the sound system in working order and available when needed — including making sure the batteries are fully charged.
Farewell Banquet Team
Organizes and directs the program for the farewell banquet/luncheon, including a Master or Mistress of Ceremonies. The most important thing: fun, fun, fun.
Sky & Weather
2 teamsWeather Guesser
Predicts the weather for the next few days, working closely with the Aurora Guesser — and makes sure we all enjoy the beautiful Manitoba sunshine.
The role changes hands if the forecast isn't what we expect!!
Aurora Guesser
Works with the Weather Guesser to predict the chances of the aurora being on display — and at what time. The Aurora Report is given nightly at campfires or socials, from day one of the caravan through departure from Winnipeg.
Stories & Media
3 teamsArticle Editor
Writes an article about the caravan with photographs, seeking stories from other caravanners to include. Edits the material into publishable form and coordinates with WBAC headquarters to have it published in the Blue Beret.
Photo Team
If the caravan elects to have a photo journal/slideshow, a Photo Journal Editor prepares it — with everyone who shares photos counting as team members. A draft is shown on the final day, and USB-key copies are available before leaving.
Social Media
The Social Media Guru(s) set up a closed Facebook Group for caravanners and their family & friends, post and help others post photos, comments and stories — and may run a mini workshop for anyone who wants social-media training.
Service & Support
4 teamsCommunity Service
Leads the community service project: everyone collects donation items on the way up through Manitoba and carries them to Thompson, where a reserved room at the University College of the North hosts a group sorting session. Sorted goods are delivered to Thompson organizations; boxes bound for Churchill are tagged, loaded on the VIA Rail train, and delivered by the group on arrival.
First Aid / Medical Advisors
Available to offer advice on minor injuries or medical issues, to the depth their medical education and licensing allow. The nearest emergency services and phone numbers for each stop are in the Travel Guide.
Financial Review
A committee of 2–3 reviews the caravan's financial records — on the train to Churchill, no less — with a report to the group in the Tundra Buggy Lodge lounge.
Take a Hike (or Bike) Team Leader
There's great hiking on this caravan — the team leader schedules group hikes and rides at the places we visit, time permitting.
From the official Northern Lights & Polar Bears caravan team descriptions · Back to the trip hub · Itinerary