Veterans Park transformed into an active campsite Friday, Oct. 11, as Navy veteran Lonmontre Washington hammered his tent stakes into the ground. The Arlington resident was one of 160 people setting up his tent at the City's Family Fun Campout, an overnight event full of kid-friendly activities.
The campout, hosted by the Arlington Parks and Recreation department, provides an opportunity for families that want to experience nature but might lack the time or experience to do so. "It's great for families and single parents that don't want to spend the time getting things organized or don't have the time," said Yvonne Falgout, center programs manager for the City.
Arlington coordinates all of the activities at the Family Fun Campout, provides and cooks both dinner and breakfast, and stays with the campers all night.
"You can experience camping with your kids and not worry about all the other stuff," said Diana Woodard, the recreation program coordinator at Dottie Lynn Recreation Center.
Adding to the safety and security of the event is the fun experience that takes place in residents' back yard. "It's all about getting the family together in different environments, and we try to do things that are going to help make them healthier," Falgout said.
Spending quality time with his six-year-old daughter was one of the reasons Washington decided to attend. "I thought it would be a good time to get together and just bond - and experience something besides videogames," said Washington, who returned for his second campout.
This year's camping adventure included tent trick-or-treating, story time, pumpkin decorating, s'mores and hayrides. Entertainer Jungle Jim also educated campers about animals and nature.
Arlington's Parks and Recreation Department began its first family cookout in 1998 at Cliff Nelson Recreation Center. For the past six years, the overnight event has been at Veterans Park.
The annual campout is typically held in early October. To discover other family activities, keep up with Arlington's Parks and Recreation Department at naturallyfun.org.
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