By Stacey Hanks–
If you love tent camping under the stars, BBQ hot dogs and s’mores around the campfire after a day filled with summer fun activities for young and old alike, then you do not want to miss the Citrus Heights Community Camp Out slated to be held at Rusch Park July 21 and 22.
With oak trees offering shade, a covered bridge with a creek running underneath and gently sloping grassy hills, the park is the perfect setting for a fun-filled day of activities with the family. Rusch Pool will also be reserved exclusively for campers from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Saturday the 21st, with other activities also including face painting, arts and crafts, and a balloon toss — a crowd-favorite.
Star-gazing is also on schedule after dark, with members of the Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society who will once-again be on hand with their telescopes pointing out celestial bodies, along with campfire entertainment.
“Doesn’t matter if it’s 100 degrees, we have a campfire for the s’mores,” volunteer Tonya Wagner told The Sentinel.
As in years past, city council members, community volunteers and the Mesa Verde High School Key Club will be among those lending a hand and dishing up food at the community event. Food includes a barbecue “Campinental” breakfast to be served to campers on Sunday morning.
A flag disposal ceremony will also be performed again this year by Boy Scout Troop #635. According to troop leader Paul Gerlach, the ceremony, during which a retired flag is burned while ceremony participants stand at attention, is the proper manner to dispose of the American flag. The troop will accept any American flags that community members wish to retire and dispose of properly.
The annual Community Camp Out began in 2001 and typically draws around 200 campers. It is sponsored by the City of Citrus Heights, Sunrise Recreation and Park District and the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights.
Pre-registration for the event is encouraged, with prices set at $10 per adult and $8 per child (2-17). Walk-up registration will also be accepted from 2-5 p.m. on July 21, with a cost of $15 per adult and $13 per child.
Those wishing to register in advance can do so by calling (916) 725-1585, or online at sunriseparks.com.
