Sites still available for Nov. 3 Camp Out at Jaycee Park
Families are invited to a Camp Out at Jaycee Park next month for a fun night of being under the stars.
The Camp Out will be held from 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, to 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4. The deadline to register is Nov. 1. Registration is $20 per tent and can be made by calling (239) 549-4606. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are allowed.
As of Monday afternoon there were five sites left for the riverfront. The rest of the sites are located around the park.
“It’s a really good event. Camp counselors are there until about dinner time doing activities with the kids. Check-in begins at 2 p.m. and activities begin at 3 p.m. Saturday,” said Honey Phillips, Rotary Park Recreation specialist.
Families are responsible for bringing their own food, drinks, tents and camping gear. S’mores, a treat after dark at the community campfire, will be provided.
“They are not allowed to have their own campfire, we have a community campfire,” she explained.
In addition to the activities offered, children are more than welcome to bring their bikes and scooters and play at the playground during the Camp Out.
The Camp Out is held twice a year, with the other scheduled to take place on Feb. 2.
“It’s perfect for people who have not camped much and want to get into camping and want to go camping somewhere,” Phillips said.
The park has no showers and only two bathrooms. There are also barbecue grills for those who would like to grill their food.
“It’s a lot of fun. It’s a fun event for the kids,” she said.
The Camp Out began about seven years ago because they wanted to imitate the Great American Camp Out, which is provided through the National Wildlife Federation.
“We wanted to imitate that to encourage people to get outside, camp with families and put the tablet down and get some fresh air,” Phillips said.