What could be better than a family campout right here in Johnson County? Come join us for the ninth annual Great American Family Campout and enjoy a rare opportunity to sleep under the stars in Shawnee Mission Park and take part in other outdoor activities.
This event is offered by the Children’s Services Department of the Johnson County Park & Recreation District beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, and will run through about 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 31. This event ties into a national event called the Great American Backyard Campout, which encourages people to camp out in their backyards each summer. Previous events have drawn as many as 350 campers.
Whether you are an experienced camper or are looking for an activity to share with your family, this is your opportunity to camp in the safety of the largest park in Johnson County. Children’s Services staff will be on hand throughout the night and JCPRD Park Police will also have a presence. In addition to spending a night under the stars in Shawnee Mission Park, participants will receive passes for admittance to Shawnee Mission Park Beach and pedal boat rental at the park marina, and tickets to The Theatre in the Park’s production of “Mary Poppins.” As a special bonus, participants will receive early admittance to the show. This will be the only public campout offered this summer.
Camping will take place in a large open field directly to the south of The Theatre in the Park complex and north of Shelter 2 in the Small Lakes Area. The Theatre entrance to the park is located at 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa. Campers will need to bring their own camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, etc. Saturday evening dinner is not provided. Community grills are available at Shelter #2. Bagels, fruit, juice, and milk will be provided Sunday morning.
To find this program in the JCPRD’s Activities catalog and online listings, browse first under fun for all and then under special events. In the catalog and when using the website’s advanced search, look for the keyword “overnight.”
The cost for this 20-hour event is $30 for a family of up to four, $10 for individuals, and children under the age of three are free. For more information, contact Children’s Services Specialist Rob Knaussman at (913) 826-3023. To register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online at www.jcprd.com, click on the green “Register for Activities” button and complete a barcode search for 34387for a family, 34388 for individuals, or 34389 for campers under three.
