Outdoor Adventures is one of our most popular groups! We host two yearly campouts in October and April. Singles, couples, and families come together to share their love of fresh air, outdoor cooking and spending time with friendly folks away from the work week hustle.

Recently, we’ve added stargazing parties, guided nature walks, and other activities that get us out and about. North Texas has a wealth of sites to explore.

To the southwest, our members sometimes visit UBarU, a UU camp and retreat center in the Hill Country near Kerrville, TX. They host youth camps, men’s and women’s retreats, and special interest weekends such as stargazing parties and artist retreats. You can learn more at their website.

This spring’s campout is scheduled for April 26-28, 2024 at Eisenhower State Park. We have 12 shelters reserved, and they will go fast! Cost of a shelter is $60 (one or both nights*). Members of other NTUUC congregations are also invited to attend. If you have any questions, send an email to outdooradventure@communityuuchurch.org or talk to Dick Hildenbrand.

Campout FAQs:

  • Where do we go?

The campouts are usually held at either Eisenhower State Park or Tyler State Park.

  • What do I/we need to bring?

What to bring may be different for each family; click here for comprehensive checklist of items.

  • How do I/we sign up to attend?

Click here for the reservation form.

  • Where do we sleep?

Each park has comfortable weatherproof shelters. Shelters are screened in, measuring 12′ x 16′, and each has a light, electrical outlet, picnic table, water spigot, grill, and fire pit. Some families prefer to sleep in a tent, which they can pitch near their shelter.

  • What about meals?

We are no longer doing Dick’s Chuckwagon for breakfast, so bring your own provisions for breakfast and lunch and Friday dinner. Feel free to combine with other families for those meals. Saturday dinner is a combined effort, with participants fixing their favorite dishes to share with others. Coffee, tea, and cocoa are available around the clock.

  • Are there activities?

This is your time to spend as you see fit! No camp director shouting orders, no mandatory talent shows… though an impromptu one might form around the campfire! Some folks like to hike and explore; others prefer to sit in a lawn chair and simply enjoy the view, read, or nap. Bring along your bikes, boats, kayaks, or fishing gear. If you’re artistically inclined, pack your camera or your art supplies. Being UUs, it’s just as likely you’ll find folks engaged in lively discussions as off in a quiet spot meditating. If you have a bright idea, put it on our message board and maybe others will be inspired.

  • How about in the evenings?

Traditionally we congregate around the campfire to chat, play instruments, sing songs, roast marshmallows, and tell stories.

  • 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.

 

For more information e-mail outdooradventure@communityuuchurch.org.