Yosemite. Yellowstone. The Catskill Mountains. Just some of the destination spots to take your family out camping under the stars. Now add the West Windsor Community Park to that list of fine places to pitch a tent and spending some quality family bonding time. West Windsor Community Park?
Yep, the Township Parks and Recreation Department is holding its fourth annual Family Camp Out beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 24, with a DJ leading the troops in games and fun for the whole family, including: dance contests, sack races and such. The kids can play while parents can prepare the campsite in peace. There will also be a giant slide and a moon bounce. Once everyone is settled, there will be an old-fashioned sing-along beside a roaring campfire. Then, as darkness falls and the mood mellows, you will enjoy a movie in the park.
Nobody will go hungry, and best of all, you won’t have to hassle with lugging along a cooler and trying to keep food cold and fresh. Dinner will be available for purchase at the park concession stand. The next morning, a free continental breakfast will be served. Then pack up your camping gear and head home with precious family memories that will sustain you until you come back next year.
“It’s an unusual opportunity to go camping with your family without leaving the community,” says Noreen Tenaglia, assistantmanager of recreation, who also manages the pool at Waterworks. “And with the price of gas these days, why would you want to get in your car and travel far when we have an amazing park in West Windsor that’s just perfect for something like this. If some people are not up to sleeping out, they can come just for the activities.”
As the mother of four children, Tenaglia knows the importance of spending time together as a family. Some of her own childhood memories center on camping out with her family. “We have people who come back year after year. Everyone who has ever come has a fabulous time and some have even built a family tradition around it.”
Tenaglia says the event also offers a chance to get together with other families and make new friends. “West Windsor is so spread out; usually parents and kids are running from here to there. You often just spend time with people in your own neighborhood, so it’s great to be able to socialize with lots of different people.”
— Euna Kwon Brossman
The Family Camp Out, near the picnic pavilion in Community Park, Saturday, September 24, 5 p.m. 609-799-6141. Rain date is Saturday, October 1.
If you don’t have tents, sleeping bags, or any other gear, everything you need is available for purchase or rental (on a limited basis) at Eastern Mountain Sports at MarketFair. Call to confirm availability: 609-520-8310. If you mention you’re with the West Windsor Camp Out, you’ll get a discount. The cost per 20’ x 20’ campsite is $35 and there is a limit of 6 people per site. Pets are not permitted.
