HPC Family Camp Out & BBQ October 8-9

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We’re hoping you can join us for our first HPC family campout and barbecue at Washington Crossing State Park! If you’d like to join us but need some equipment (tent, sleeping bag etc.) let us know on the sign-up form. Driving directions and a list of what to bring are below. If you can’t stay overnight, join us for the barbecue and campfire!!

Saturday

Pre-campout activities (please sign up if you want to join us)

Both activities will begin at the campsite ‘A’ parking area. See driving derections below. Bring your camping gear with you so you can set up went we return.

Bike ride: 1:00pm - Led by Anne Hayton

For bicycling enthusiasts, this is an easy-paced, family-friendly, approximately 7- mile bike ride. We begin by bicycling south along the Delaware & Raritan (D&R) Canal Towpath, crossing over into Pennsylvania using the NEW and amazing bicycle bridge at Scudders Falls, then returning along the equally beautiful Delaware and Lehigh (D&L) Canal Towpath, back towards Washington Crossing State Park. The paths are generally level (except for a manageable elevation change for the bridge crossing) and consist of easy-riding, hard-packed soil or small gravel. For everyone's safety and enjoyment, those interested in participating in this bike ride should come prepared with a bicycle in good and sound working order, a bicycle helmet and water bottle. Please contact Anne Hayton for any questions on this planned bicycling event.

Hike: 1:00pm - Led by Rich Armington

Join us for an easy hike to the only local overlooks on the Delaware River. The area around Goat Hill has roots dating back to the American Revolutionary War. In fact, George Washington himself stood at this precipice to view the river, serving as a strategic asset during combat. Moreover, he oversaw the arrangements for the attack on Trenton from the spot. Of course, British General Charles Cornwallis also used this overlook to view the colonies’ activity up and down the river. This is a 2.5 mile loop hike where we will visit 4 overlooks, including ‘Washington’s Rock’ and Goat Hill overlook with a great view of Lambertville. We’ll meet at the campsite ‘A’ parking lot in Washington Crossing Park and then carpool to the trail head. Please come prepared with a water bottle, appropriate clothing for a fall hike, sturdy hiking shoes and small backpack. And bring rain gear if the weather is iffy. Questions about the hike? Please contact Rich Armington.

Campout & Barbecue (please sign up if you want to join us for either)

Campout Arrival: 3:30 – 5:30pm

Plan to arrive after 3:30pm. Park in the lot and bring your gear into the camp site. It’s only a short walk so no need to get fancy with packing. There will be folks around if you need help moving your gear or setting up. Afternoon games include corn hole, bocce, Frisbees, and maybe croquet.

Dinner: 6:00pm

Bring a side dish, and if you have any food allergies or preferences, note them on the sign-up form. We’ll provide the main dish.

Campfire: 7:30ish

Join us for a good old fashion campfire! There’ll be songs, skits, and stories. If you have something to add to the program, contact Shari Adair. If there’s a fire ban, we’re hoping to get approval for a propane fire pit. S’mores and Ice cream for desert – who can resist!!

Sunday

Breakfast: 8:00am - For campers only

Doug Sargent and Amy Rice will have a special treat for those of us who camp overnight! Oh yeah, very important, coffee and tea will be available before breakfast!

Sunday Service: 10:30am at Greene Pavilion in Washington Crossing Park

Greene Grove at the park has a large pavilion and restrooms. The Sunday service will be in the park rain or shine! We will try to Zoom the service, but this is dependent on the quality of cellular service in the park.

Pot Luck Picnic Lunch: After the service at Greene Pavilion in Washington Crossing Park

Please bring a dish for the potluck lunch immediately following the service.

Bike Ride and Hike: After lunch (about 1:00pm) (Please sign up if you want to join us) These are the same bike ride and hike a Saturday. We wanted to give folks a chance to do each. See descriptions above.

Driving Directions Campsite: Washington Crossing Site ‘A’

Site ‘A’ is behind the soccer fields off of Bear Tavern Rd. From the Pennington Circle take Washington Crossing Pennington Rd. toward PA. Turn right on Bear Tavern Rd. and then take the next left into the soccer fields. Follow the road as far as you can until it ends in the parking lot. Site ‘A’ is at the far end of the lot.

Greene Grove: From the Pennington circle take Washington Crossing Pennington Rd. toward PA. Pass Bear Tavern Rd. The park entrance will be on your right. Enter the park and follow the signs to Greene Grove

What to bring:

Sorry, the park doesn’t allow pets at the campsite.

Camping out: Tent * Sleeping bags (30 deg. rating or lower) * Sleeping pads (or cots) * Warm clothes for evening and morning * Rain gear * Camp chairs * Flashlight * Drinking cup * Water bottle. (We’ll supply water and drinks, but it’s wise to have your own water bottle.)

Dinner & Campfire Only:  Camp chairs * Warm clothes for evening campfire * Drinking cup

Bike Ride:  Bike (make certain it’s in good condition) * Helmet * Water bottle

Hike:  Sturdy shoes * Small Backpack * Water bottle * Rain gear (if weather is iffy) * Warm clothes (weather dependent)