Have you ever wanted to camp out in one of the best parks in the entire state of Illinois? Now, the opportunity has presented itself as Allerton Park hosts their Family Campout and Exploration event in cooperation with Champaign Surplus on the weekend of September 24th/25th.
This would certainly be a great way to get out in nature with your family while also experiencing one of Central Illinois’ best-hidden gems. Any more pertinent information can be found below, including how to register.
From the press release:
Registration Open for Allerton Family Campout
Monticello –Families are invited to take part in Allerton Park & Retreat Center’s Family Campout and Exploration, presented by Champaign Surplus, on September 24-25. The second annual event will be held throughout the Park, and overnight camping will be available in Allerton’s 14-acre Meadow at 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello.
The weekend will not only provide families with a hassle-free opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, but also to learn about nature. Biologists from the University of Illinois, the Illinois Natural History Survey, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be on-site to lead hikes and activities during the day, and the evening will wrap-up with a live wildlife show, and a stargazing hike led by the U of I Astronomy Department.
Allerton’s Natural Areas Manager, Nate Beccue, instituted last year’s sell-out inaugural event as a way to let the community see the research that goes on at Allerton and to make nature more accessible to local families. Planning for the weekend takes time away from Beccue’s normal duties of managing Allerton’s 1,500 wooded acres, but it provides a different kind of job satisfaction.
Beccue explains that his favorite part of the event was “just seeing the reaction of kids to wildlife when it was in their hands, or when they were eye to eye with something.”
Participants will also be able to try out – and win – some of the newest camping gear and gadgets from Champaign Surplus and Kelty, who will sponsor the event for the second year.
“We absolutely love being a part of the Allerton Family Campout. It is amazing to get so many families and children outdoors together, exploring and learning,” explains Champaign Surplus co-owner Shira Epstein. “This campout is not just an opportunity to take in the beauty of Allerton, but the special naturalist programs offered are great opportunities for children to get hands on experience with animals and nature, truly developing an appreciation for all things outdoors.”
Another partner in the event is Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, who had twelve campers come out for last year’s event. Guests at Allerton’s annual Garden Party fundraiser provided “camperships” to help cover the cost of the meals, tents, and activities for the Club participants.
“We just want to provide an easy and fun camping experience, and an appreciation of local nature,” Beccue summed up. “Illinois can be just as wild as anywhere else.”
Registration will be limited to 200 participants and there is a fee. For more information, and to register, visit Allerton.illinois.edu or call 217-333-3287.