CAMP UNDER THE STARS
Come spend the night under the stars and get a taste of wilderness without traveling too far from home . For one night only , families can enjoy rustic overnight camping at McCloud Nature Park ! Pack your tent , camping gear , sleeping bags , and something to cook over the fire for dinner , and we ’ ll provide a campsite
( including campfire ), s ’ mores , and a continental breakfast .
Set up your tent and then come explore over 200 acres of natural wonders that McCloud Nature Park has to offer , including 6 ½ miles of trails and the ever so famous McCloud Prairie Maze featuring a fish this year . Wander across the historic truss bridge spanning Big Walnut Creek , then stroll on down to dip your tired toes in the cool inviting water as you discover aquatic life such as fish , crawdads , turtles , and frogs ! As the day comes to an end , take time to relax by listening to the unique sounds of nocturnal life that carries on as the rest of the world sleeps .
New this year : Tents and other camping gear is available for rental through Camptown . Camping gear must be rented by September 13th at 3 pm . For the list of gear and fees , go to https :// camptown . org / gear-rental /. You may also contact Camptown for additional information at ( 317 ) 471-8277 or info @ camptown . org .
FAMILY CAMPOUT
Saturday , September 17th- Sunday , September 18th
Registration opens July 31st Fee : $ 30 / campsite
Check in on Saturday between 2 p . m . and 4 p . m .
Check out on Sunday by 11 a . m .
Advanced registration is required through www . HendricksCountyParks . org and space is limited , so register early !
WHERE WILL YOUR FEET TAKE YOU ?
We now have 11 different types of Adventure Backpacks that are packed with supplies , activities , and tools for you to use while you explore McCloud Nature Park ! Learn how to be a citizen scientist as you identify birds , insects , and trees with the respective themed packs . Discover how easy it is to get your children interested in science and nature with the STEAM ( Science , Technology , Engineering , Art , and Math ) pack ! You can even go on a high-tech treasure hunt with a GPS receiver included in the Geocaching pack ! Each pack includes recommended activities that can be completed with the tools provided within . Most of the Adventure Backpacks are appropriate for all ages ( the Geocaching pack is recommended for upper elementary through adult ).
Through a generous donation from the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County , we have been able to upgrade packs and add new ones . Five of the backpacks come with tablets that contain apps that help to identify plants and bugs . The packs contain customized nature tools such as magnifying glasses , pocket microscopes , bug nets , field guides , binoculars , and more ! All Adventure Backpacks are free to borrow and are available on a first-come , first-served basis during the McCloud Nature Center ’ s normal business hours ( see page 3 ). They are not available during special events at the park , such as Maple Syrup Days , the Bee Fest , and the Fall Colors Festival .
To borrow an Adventure Backpack , an adult must leave a valid driver ’ s license or car keys as a deposit and sign a usage agreement . Backpacks and their contents must be returned in their original condition before the Nature Center closes for the day and before the borrower leaves the park .
Adventure Backpack themes include :
• Birds
• Insects
• Trees / Plants
• Weather
• Recreation
• Survival / Orienteering
• Geology
• Creek
• STEAM ( Science , Technology , Engineering , Art , Math )
• Geocaching
Let your feet take you on an adventure !
22 • www . HendricksCountyParks . org