Home » Community Campout at St. Michaels Farm Preserve in Hopewell

Community Campout at St. Michaels Farm Preserve in Hopewell

by Mary Galioto

The Hopewell Borough Recreation Committee, D&R Greenway Land Trust and the Hopewell Valley YMCA invite the public to the annual Hopewell Community Campout at St. Michaels Farm Preserve. The overnight adventure begins Saturday afternoon, June 25, and continues into Sunday, June 26.

The Hopewell Community Campout will take place on the preserved land, in the field in front of the Charles Evans Overlook. D&R Greenway Director of Development Leslie Potter, a Hopewell Borough resident and campout veteran, describes the annual Hopewell Community Campout as a “terrific time. So many families enjoy a night of diverse adventures. For many, the idyllic setting provides a new experience of the St. Michaels’ fields. The view from the Overlook down to the village of Hopewell is beautifully accented by a rainbow of multi-colored tents. This night is the essence of community.”

Annual Hopewell Campout Exploring St. Michaels Land from D&R Greenway

Activities for the event are in the planning stages with assistance from the Hopewell Council of Churches and local Scouts. There will be the return of popular Scout demonstrations, building of “fairy houses,” field games, and the traditional campfire with s’mores, skits and songs. Guitars, banjos and tambourines are encouraged. Again this year the Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton will share the myths and mysteries of the night sky through professional telescopes. Local naturalists will lead an evening hike for smaller children and a night hike for others, on the St. Michaels trails. Guests are welcome to bring their own firefly-catch-and-release containers.

On joining the Community Campout planning committee this year, Doug Pszczolkowski of the Hopewell Valley YMCA said, “The Y reached out to see if we could help in any way. I just love the idea of the youth of our region completely unplugging and connecting with nature for an evening. This kind of family event is totally in line with the mission of the Y and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”

Campers will arrive at the open field via tractor rides after parking off-site on Aunt Molly Road. Families will pack their own picnic suppers, snacks, refillable water bottles, bug spray, flashlights and/or headlamps, sleeping bags, camping chairs, soccer balls, and good spirits. Clean drinking water for refilling bottles, s’mores, and complimentary breakfast will be provided. Alcohol is not permitted. A small number of tents may be available to borrow. Please email [email protected] to inquire.

Annual Hopewell Campout around the campfire from D&R Greenway

Advance (non-refundable) registration required, is now open and must be accompanied by $45 fee per family. Checks are payable to D&R Greenway Land Trust.  The registration fee covers the costs of hosting the Campout event.

Register online at www.drgreenway.org  or in person at Hopewell Borough Hall, or mail completed registration form to Hopewell Community Campout 2016, c/o Hopewell Borough, 88 E. Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ, 08525.  Phone: 609-466-2636.

Participation is not limited to Hopewell residents. The 2016 Campout is weather-dependent. Foul weather either that day, or during preceding days, may require cancellation. Participants will be notified by e-mail if the event must be cancelled. There is no rain date.

For more information visit www.hopewellboro-nj.us/ call 609-466-2636 or email [email protected].

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