PLACE: Ft. Parker State Park (Group Barracks) [On Hwy 14 between Mexia & Groesbeck, TX]
FACILITIES: Large recreation-dining hall-kitchen, 5 heated cabins (20 dormatory-style bunks in each cabin), rec. hall, indoor plumbing/hot showers, acres of beautiful outdoors - land, lake (w/ fishing pier). Bunk beds have mattresses - bring your bedding & pillows. (Tents/campers/RVs are prohibited in the group camp area so plan to stay in a group camp cabin OR camp in a designated tent or RV camping area which is about 1/2 mile from the group camp.)
FOOD: Eating arrangements are handled by pooling. Bring food according to the following menus:Fri supper: hot dogs and trimmings (or eat before you come)COST: Cost of the facilities is divided among those present and will likely be about $50/adult for the weekend (with no charge for children school-age and younger). (Stop by the park headquarters to check in if its open.) THE MORE PEOPLE, THE LOWER THE COST, SO LET'S TURN OUT A BIG CROWD TO KEEP THE COST/PERSON DOWN -- IT'S STILL THE CHEAPEST THRILL AROUND! ACTIVITIES: Usual unplanned activities include MUSIC (lots!), ping-pong, dominoes, cards, talking, group jig-saw puzzles, canoeing/boating, jogging, fishing, exploring nature, loafing, stargazing, visit to nearby reconstructed old Ft. Parker, and ghostly nighttime visit to the old Springfield Cemetery. In addition, those who have activities they wish to share are encouraged to do so. Over the years, we have had boat rides, magic shows, stained glass window making, peace ribbon making, treasure hunts and ghost stories. And, of course, we'll make decorated paper angels for our annual Christmas Angel Tree project. YOUTH BEHAVIORAL GUIDELINES: We ask that parents ensure their youth are aware of and adhere to the following guidelines for participant behavior: (1) no drugs, alcohol, firearms or fireworks, (2) no sex or patently sexual behavior, (3) children and teens must sleep in the same cabin with their parent(s) or other responsible adult. CLEAN-UP & CHECK-OUT: By 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, the facilities must be cleaned and all items returned to their places - we must leave it as we found it. The buildings must be swept, the kitchen & bathrooms cleaned and mopped. Please plan to stay long enough to help with the clean-up. (Also, we must pay for any missing items or damages to property.) GENERAL INFO: Reservations/advance notice not required. You are welcome to just show up! Although organized by members of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Waco, it is not just for UUs or Wacoans, and it is not a "churchy" thing - it's just fun! If you have questions, contact JANE KITTNER, 254/772-7180 or jane.kittner@uuwaco.org. Below is a map that shows how to get there from any direction.
Sat & Sun breakfast: usual stuff - cereal, sweet rolls, etc.
Sat lunch: casseroles (prepared at home and refrigerated there)
Sat supper: hamburgers and trimmings
Between meal snacks: goodies, junk food, beer, sodas, etc.
Everyone helps w/ preparations and clean-ups. No cooking or eating utensils are provided. Bring disposable eating utensils. A large stove and refrigerator/freezer are available. Those who prefer can grocery shop at nearby Mexia or Groesbeck.
Information:
* Ft. Parker State Park is on Hwy. 14, half way between Mexia and Groesbeck -- about 6 miles from both.
* If coming from Mexia, the park is on the RIGHT.
* If coming from Groesbeck, the park is on the LEFT, but DON'T turn at the "Old Fort Parker" site -- that's not the state park.
* If it is still open when you arrive, check in at the park headquarters and pay your auto fee, then proceed to the "Group Camp" -- first road off to the left -- all the way to the end.
Information:
When you arrive, check in and pay the nominal park entry fee at the park headquarters on the right if it's open. If the office is closed, come on the the Group Camp taking the first road to the left and coming all the way to the end. We have the entire area at the end of that road but we hang out in the main building -- look around, you'll find us!
