The Dallas Park and Recreation Department Outdoor Adventures program, in partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife Texas Outdoor Family program, took 36 youth overnight tent camping at Lake Ray Roberts State Park November 30 - December 2. The weekend, offered free to Dallas children ages 8 - 12, was filled with activity and fun, giving participants the opportunity to learn to camp and enjoy the outdoors.
After being transported by bus, children arrived at the State park to set up camp. Rotations of mountain biking, fishing, geocaching, hiking, and a program through Lake Ray Roberts State Park's Nature Activity Center filled up the day Saturday. After a hot dog dinner and s'mores, participants looked up to the stars through telescopes during a Star Party led by the City Lights Astronomical Society for Students.
Sunday consisted of breaking down camp and a graduation ceremony, celebrating the children learning to camp and participating in the Leave No Trace Principles, an effort to sustain our natural world and prevent human-impact.
For most of the children, Outdoor Adventures provided a first-time opportunity for children to camp in tents. The Dallas Park and Recreation Department will offer another camping trip in Spring 2019. Outdoor Adventures exists to provide non-traditional outdoor opportunities for Dallas youth in the hopes of creating future advocates for sustaining and caring for our parks, trails, and natural resources.
