Mentor Families Camp Out in Civic Center Park

After Val Helmick and Maggie Moberg – Helmick's "little sister" in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program – finished pitching their tent in , Helmick said, “Well, Maggie, this is going to be our home for the next 15 hours.”

“First, I thought I would have my husband come to help us pitch the tent, then I thought, 'No, we can do this,'” said Helmick. “Maggie is a trooper. She’s not your typical girlie girl.”

Eighteen Mentor families and a Mentor Girl Scout Troop pitched tents, roasted hot dogs in an open fire, played games, went swimming, watched a movie, roasted marshmallows over a campfire, and drank sno-cones in glow-in-the dark cups at the city's Family Campout.

Afterward, everyone retired to their tents to sleep in a calm and pleasant summer’s night.

Mentor Recreation Program Director Jill Korsok started Family Campout four years ago.

“I saw campouts done in other areas and thought it would be a great event for Mentor,” said Korsok. “It’s perfect for families with small children who may be trying camping for the first time, or for families who are not sure if they want go far from home for that first camping experience. We have a great location behind Mentor City Hall, everything is here and no one is too far from home.”

Daniel Chen has been bringing his family to Family Campout for three years.

“We really enjoy camping here every year,” said Chen. “The kids love it. It’s close to home. It’s perfect.”

When morning came, the campers had some doughnuts and juice, took down their tents, packed their cars, and were probably happy that they didn’t have a long drive home.