The St. Charles County Parks Department is proud to offer the Fourth annual Family Camping Expo on Labor Day weekend, Fri., Sept. 2 – Sun., Sept. 4 at Klondike Park (4600 Highway 94) near Augusta. Spend a relaxing weekend camping with family and friends, discovering the natural beauty of the outdoors close to home.

Hosted by St. Charles County Park Rangers, this two-day camping extravaganza, promotes a fun and educational environment for all ages.   Participates will learn new camping techniques, and even be exposed to some new and exciting outdoor recreational opportunities.

The program begins at 6 p.m. on Fri. with campsite set up, tent pitching, campfire s ‘mores and cobblers, followed by a night of stargazing with members of the Astronomy and the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri (ASEM). Campers will get to view planets, stars, and constellations through complex telescopes and discover the night skies over Missouri.  On Sat., in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner being served by the Rangers; activities include: a fishing derby packed with prizes, geocaching throughout the park, fire building contests, campfire/dutch oven cooking, knot tying, learning basic first aid, hiking and much more!  Festivities will conclude after breakfast on Sun.

The Family Camping Expo cost $15 per person, and children five and under are free if accompanied by a paying adult. Meals will be provided, but guests may bring extra food and snacks. Participants should also bring a tent, bedding, drinks, a flashlight, personal fishing equipment, and bug spray. Advanced registration before August 24 is required, and the program is limited to 100 participants.  To register, visit www.stccparks.org or contact the St. Charles County Parks Department at 636.949.7535.  

The St. Charles County Parks Department, Cabela’s, St. Louis Area Geocachers Association, Playtime Party Center, SSM St. Joseph’s Hospital West, Cracker Barrel, Sportsman Channel, Coleman and Armygear.net are sponsoring this year’s event.