Camping Out Close to Home

A few dozen Belleville youngsters got a little taste of the outdoors this weekend -- without having to leave town.

On Saturday, Webeloes and Boy Scouts from Pack 350 took part in the Great American Backyard Campout, an initiative sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation designed to help families “reconnect” with nature. Thousands of people across the country spent the day and evening outdoors in order to gain a better appreciation of nature.

Kids, Scout leaders and parents pitched tents in Fairway Park and spent an entire day and evening Saturday roughing it --- cooking meals over open fires, learning woodcraft and, of course, playing lots of games. The campers included Boy Scouts, who regularly camp out, as well as younger Scouts and a few Girl Scouts who have had less experience sleeping under the stars.

This is the first time in a number of years that Scouts have camped out in Belleville, organizers said. Scouts regularly used to camp near township schools, a tradition that had ceased in recent years.

Gaby Bennet Meany, a Scout parent, said that Saturday’s event was partly intended to introduce camping to younger people and their families. The youngest campers this Saturday were accompanied by their parents.

“You want to stimulate an interest early on with the kids to go outdoors,” Bennet Meany said.

Tom Idenden, the Den leader for Webelo Pack 350, expressed gratitude to the town government and the school system for their support of the event.

“This is a big deal that they allowed us to do this,” Idenden said.

Fliers advertising the event were circulated in the schools and the Belleville Fire Department stopped by Saturday as well. So did Councilman Vincent Cozzarelli, a former Scout, and Councilman Steve Rovell, whose son was also a Belleville Scout.

Among the activities Saturday were an exploration of the area’s wildlife -- Bennet Meany said there was a good chance the kids would find some snakes -- and a nighttime stargazing session.