By Ashley M. Casey
Staff Writer
Families who want a taste of toasted marshmallows and chasing fireflies can join their neighbors at the town of Lysander’s Community Camp Out next month. The camp out, which will take place Aug. 6 in Lysander Town Park, is one of several new programs the parks and rec department is testing this year.
“It’s a new thing we’re trying,” Recreation Program Director Tony Burkinshaw said. “We’re trying to gear more towards outdoor recreation, so this is a big swing for that.”
You don’t have to be Bear Grylls to participate in what Burkinshaw hopes will become an annual community event.
“We’re targeting the novice camper or families who want to try camping with the little ones to get the experience of camping,” Burkinshaw said.
The Community Camp Out will feature family-friendly activities such as arts and crafts, cornhole, ladder golf and other field games.
Most programs at Lysander Town Park take place during the daylight hours, so the camp out is a chance for residents to experience the park at night.
“Typically our park closes at dusk. We’re doing something a little bit different,” Burkinshaw said.
The camp out will feature a “firefly walk” in which families can spot fireflies and play with flashlights while strolling along the park trail.
The town will also lift the ban on campfires in the park so campers can celebrate with a bonfire. Local fire department officials will be invited to present on fire safety as campers make s’mores.
“What would a campout be without marshmallows?” Burkinshaw said. “We want to be sure we’re doing it in a safe way.”
A handful of local businesses have signed on as sponsors of the camp out. Herb Philipson’s is giving coupons for $10 off a $40 purchase to those who register for the camp out. Pizza Man of Baldwinsville will provide a pizza party to campers, and Burkinshaw is hoping to connect with a local business to provide breakfast on the morning of Aug. 7.
To learn more about the Community Camp Out, call the Lysander parks and recreation department at 635-5999. Admission for the camp out is $5 per tent.
