Outdoor Adventures is one of our most popular groups. Its two yearly campouts (October and April) regularly draw singles, couples and families who share a love of fresh air, Chuckwagon breakfasts and a relaxed time with congenial folks. Recently, the group has added stargazing parties, guided nature walks and other activities that get us out of our Lazyboys and give us a break from carpal abuse. North Texas has a wealth of natural resources. Here is an opportunity to participate in that "interconnected web of existence of which we are a part." (From our seventh Unitarian Universalist Principle)
Campouts FAQ
Where do we go?
The campouts are usually held at either Eisenhower State Park or Tyler State Park.
Where do we sleep?
Each park has surprisingly comfortable, weatherproof shelters. We usually fill 15 to 20 shelters.
What about meals?
Breakfasts are varied, delicious and cooked to order by Dick Hildenbrand on his very own Chuckwagon. Saturday dinner is a "pitch-in" affair with participants fixing their favorite dishes to share with others. Dallas' five-star restaurants can't compete.
Are there activities?
Many and varied. We have families who want to explore. Some bring bikes, others boat or fish. It's fun to sit in a comfortable lawn chair, gaze at the watery vista and read or nap. Not surpringly, there are more than few discussions, although escape from CNN can also motivate people to join us. If you have a bright idea, put it on our message board and maybe others will be inspired. Or find a quiet spot and meditate. This isn't summer camp. No activity director will be shouting "time for the three-legged race! (although one could come together spontaneously)." It's your time, use it as you wish.
In the evenings?
Traditionally we congregate around the campfire in true Community UU fashion to chat, play instruments, sing songs, roast marshmallows...
Is there a spiritual component to these outings?
We have an informal Sunday Service around 10 a.m. where we reflect and share some of our experiences at the campout.
Participants regularly report that they return to their busy lives refreshed, renewed and refocused.
Spring Campout – April 18-20, 2008
New location! Lake Mineral Wells State Park
Get your reservations in early as there are only 15 shelters total, and we have all of them reserved! For questions or reservations, contact Dick Hildenbrand. To make reservations for the next campout, the cost is $30 per shelter per night and $2.50 per person per breakfast, payable to Dick Hildenbrand. Please indicate whether reservation is for Friday night, Saturday night and/or Sunday night, along with the number of adults and children that will be eating breakfast. Payment for shelters and breakfasts is due at the time you sign up to attend.
Lake Mineral Wells is about a two-hour drive, located about 45 miles west of Fort Worth. Directions will be available at the church as the weekend draws nearer.
Activities available at the park include camping; lake swimming (unsupervised); fishing; boating (boat, canoe, paddleboat rental - no skiing, jet skis, or tubing permitted); rock climbing (climbers and rappelers must check in at headquarters); mountain biking; and hiking.
As usual, our own activities will include Chuckwagon breakfast, Saturday evening potluck, singing, smores & marshmallows around the campfire, Sunday service and whatever impromptu events people decide to do as a group.
To learn more about the park, go to http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lake_mineral_wells/
For more information, contact Dick Hildenbrand or e-mail Activities.
