Charlotte Observer Article on YMCA (March 2008)

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SLEEP UNDER THE STARS ON SATURDAY

Take your family camping at the YMCA

KELLY YALE

Special to the Observer

Families in the Ballantyne area will not have to leave Charlotte to enjoy camping this weekend, as the Morrison YMCA will be hosting the Family Camp Out on Saturday.

Families from the area are invited to bring their tents, sleeping bags and flashlights. Check-in will be at 4 p.m. in the Bojangles' Open Air Pavilion, where most of the activities for the night will take place.

To encourage family bonding, there will be team building activities. Each family will work on a skit before dinner to present to the rest of the campers after dinner. There will be a prize for the best family sketch.

"This is an incredible opportunity for families to bond and have some family fun. It is a way to enjoy camping without having to travel," said Laura Smith, associate executive director of programming for the Morrison YMCA.

The YMCA will provide food and drinks for the evening. Tijuana Flats will cater dinner and campers will make their own tacos, burritos and nachos.

Once dinner is through, families will act out their skits for the enjoyment of all. A bonfire will be built where campers of all ages can roast marshmallows and hear a story.

The night will end with a movie on the projection screen in the pavilion. Campers will then head to the soccer fields to cozy up in their tents.

Some parents with smaller children are encouraged to come and enjoy the evening, even if they choose not to spend the night.

The forecast for Saturday evening predicts temperatures in the uppers 30s to low 40s. Campers should dress warmly and pack extra clothing and blankets. In case of rain, the tents will be moved into the gym.

A breakfast of bagels, fruit, orange juice and milk will await campers in the morning. The event ends at 8 a.m.

The fee for the evening is $25, which covers all costs involved.

The Morrison YMCA is located at 9405 Bryant Farms Road. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Jessica White, family program director, at 704-716-4650.