Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Family Campout Coming to South Mountain Reservation


Have you and your family ever wanted to go camping right here in Essex County? If so, this event is for you. The South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) and the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs have announced that a family campout will take place in September. According to the SMC website, the campout will take place from 2pm on Saturday, September 13 until 11am on Sunday, September 14 at Summit Field in South Mountain Reservation in Maplewood. Interested families are asked to become members of the Conservancy ($25 per year) and pay an event fee ($25) when they register beforehand. Enrollment will be limited to 35 families.

Activities will include guided nature hikes of South Mountain Reservation, tours of the South Mountain Wildflower and Forest Preserve, a bike and scooter fun ride, a scavenger hunt, an evening program, and a campfire and storytelling. The event is designed for families with young children ages 12 and under. Those interested in attending should bring a tent with a waterproof ground cloth, sleeping bags and pads, a flashlight, and bug spray, plus dinner and snack. A light breakfast will be provided on Sunday morning. 

In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled to the following weekend. For the campout, a family will be considered as two adults ages 21 and over and up to four children. Dogs are not permitted. If you are interested, sign up soon, as enrollment is limited to 35 families. Summit Field is located off of Crest Drive and Bear Lane near the South Mountain Reservation Dog Park.

If you have questions, you may contact the SMC by calling 844-SOMOCON #7 or by sending an email to familycampout@somocon.org.

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