Nearly 50 members of the Fort Jackson community were "roughing it" last weekend. They slept outdoors in tents, but not in the traditional Army fashion. Games, food and Family -- no rucking -- were on their agendas last weekend.
Weston Lake hosted 47 Family members for the first-ever Family camp out Oct. 13-14.
Anyone with an valid Department of Defense ID was welcome.
"We had many families with young children attend," said Outdoor Recreation supervisory recreation specialist Lorraine Reimer of Oyster Bay, New York.
Families with kids weren't the only ones who turned up.
"We were very happy to also have couples without children attend as well," Reimer said.
Outdoor Recreation and the Weston Lake Recreation Area, who put on the event, wanted to bring Columbians outdoors.
The weather helped make it a success.
A sunny, cool fall weekend created the perfect conditions for tent-pitching, game-playing and campfire cooking. Hot dogs and s'mores were on the menu.
Spooky stories were a must before the fire died down.
For $8 each, Family members got a lesson in camping and an evening of fun and bonding.
The Conley Family, Fort Jackson residents, made up three satisfied customers.
Jade Conley, of Madison, Virginia, and her two daughters -- Addison, 8, and Annabelle, 12 -- were in attendance Saturday and Sunday.
"It was really fantastic," Conley said Oct. 16. Addison and Annabelle hadn't stopped talking about it since, she added.
"They really enjoyed the s'mores," she said. Playing their ukuleles around the fire was another of their favorite parts.
Camping isn't a common activity for the Conleys. Many others at the campout were in the same boat.
"The event provided an opportunity for those new to camping to learn some basic skills and get a taste for what will hopefully become a new pastime for them," Reimer said.
Although there were a few "veteran campers," most were first-timers or novices, Conley said. The trip gave them an opportunity to dip their toes in the water.
"We just had to show up," Conley said. Everything was provided, even vegetarian hot dogs for the Conleys and tents for rent.
The goal was to educate and inspire newbies to go on their own camping adventures.
"We wanted to hold an event in which we could introduce basic camping skills to new campers in a safe and learning-friendly environment," Reimer said. "We hope that our new campers gain the confidence and skills needed to possibly go out and do this on their own."
Conley said she was absolutely "more inclined" to go camping in the future because of her experience at the camp out.
Bringing the community together was another hope of Outdoor Recreation.
Going with the group made camping fun and doable for the Conleys even though Jade's husband, an active Army member, was unable to attend because of his work schedule.
Having other Families around was comforting. It made camping less of an isolated experience, Conley said.
Reimer said the department aimed to "promote community cohesion through the shared experience."
Kids and adults alike made new friends at the event, she added.
"It was great to see (the kids) run and laugh all while building new friendships," Reimer said. "We look forward to having another camp out soon."
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