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"Low Stakes Campout" - Introduction to Tent Camping

Standard Activity
2023 Spring|#70139

Apr 21, 2023
All ages, Mixed
Park RangersAll Ages
Activity locationRed Mountain Soccer Complex - 905 N. Sunvalley Blvd, Mesa, AZ 85207

Description

This event is an outdoor, introductory overnight tent camping program led by the Mesa Park Rangers. Your group registration fee includes the use of one reserved tent that sleeps up to six people, although you are welcome to bring your own. This also covers hot chocolate or cider, a light campfire dinner with a cobbler dessert, and breakfast the next morning.

Participants will have the opportunity to try campfire building, using camp stoves, propane lanterns, Dutch oven cooking, tent set-up and takedown, and other basic outdoor skills.

Participants will show up between 5PM and 6PM on Friday night. After check in is campsite selection and learning how to set up the tents on the fenced-in soccer fields. We will build a campfire together, cook a light supper of hot dogs around the fire, and share fellowship and games under the stars. The Rangers will cook breakfast on Saturday morning and help to take down camp sites. Families can expect to leave the site before 10AM on Saturday.

At least one adult is required to attend per group. Families bringing children ages 5-12 are recommended so we can develop practical skills and introduce a new generation to the fun of tent camping.

The Park Rangers will provide the following: one water-resistant tent per group, coolers of drinking water, evening food, dishes, cookware, cleaning supplies, and breakfast.

We recommend you bring the following for each person attending: sleeping bag or sheet and multiple warm blankets, ground pad or cot or air mattress, pillow, cozy sleepwear, a toothbrush, flashlight, jacket and hat, water bottle, a mug for hot beverages, and a folding chair.

The Spring events will likely be hot in the afternoon but are expected to cool rapidly at night. Please still bring jackets, and extra blankets or warm sleeping bags to be prepared.

For questions about this program, please contact the Park rangers at ParkRangers@mesaaz.gov with subject: CAMPOUT or call 480-644-2914 to leave a message.

More Information

Number of sessions1
Cancellation Policy
Our tents are weather resistant not weatherproof. We reserve the right to cancel or modify the event in the case of inclement weather or environmental hazards.
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Important Registration Details
The primary registrant must be at least 18 years old. While there is not an age restriction for the additional 5 attendees, the preferred age is 5-12 years old to receive the most benefit from the activity. Rain, sun, and wind are risks of outdoor activity to anticipate and prepare for - please pack supplies according to the weather forecast. A light hot dog dinner will be provided for cooking around the campfire in the evening. This food may not be ready until after 730 PM. We recommend bringing extra food in a cooler, non-perishable snacks, or eating beforehand if your participants prefer an early meal or have specific dietary needs. You are welcome to bring your own hot dogs or similar items that can be cooked over the campfire. We will not have room for grill racks on the fire.
Red Mountain Soccer Complex Parking
This image cannot be displayed.Parking area is starred by the complex entrance gates for event check-in.
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Notes
  • The lighted soccer complex restrooms are available for use during the event.
  • If you are unfamiliar with tent camping, bring more padding to sleep on than you expect. Grassy soccer fields are much harder than a mattress and get cold at night. A yoga or exercise mat is not enough for most people.
  • Temperatures typically range from 85 degrees F during the day to 50 degrees F at night. Light blankets or jackets may not be enough to stay warm.
  • If a second adult needs to arrive later than the check-in time special arrangements can be made.
  • Please leave at home any speakers or bright electronic screens, alcohol, or anything you cannot carry or easily wheel across the flat soccer fields.
  • Smoking is permitted only in the complex parking lot.
  • For security reasons, the complex will be locked at night and require Park Rangers to open the gates after arrival and prior to the end of the event.