St. Louis District's video: USACE 2012 Family Campout and Riverlands Paddling Festival

Family Camp Out Join us for some healthy and dynamic outdoor fun at the Third Annual Family Campout! Meet at the pavilion on Lock and Dam Way, Alton, IL at 4 pm on Saturday, May 19, 2012. Families will have a blast competing in the kid-friendly events during our own 2012 Summer Olympics. Relax and enjoy dinner and dessert prepared by Park Rangers. Star gaze and sit back by the campfire. Roast mallows for gooey S'mores. Paddle a kayak or canoe in Ellis Bay on Sunday. We will provide all equipment, materials, and food for the event. Families must bring their own camping equipment (tent camping only) including tents, sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, camp chairs. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water bottles too! The campout costs $50 for a family of four and $10 per additional person. You must pre-register for the event by calling Erin at 618.462.6979. Riverlands Paddle Festival The Riverlands Paddling Festival will be held on May 20, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is open to the public. Canoes, kayaks, and Stand Up Paddleboards will be available for you to try in the calm backwaters of Ellis Bay, West Alton, MO. We will supply all the equipment and have safety boaters in the water. Forecast says it's going to be "Oarsome"! This event will be held at the Riverlands Way shelter next to Ellis Bay, also known as Water Trail site 26-24. Visitors will be able to talk to members from the St. Louis Canoe and Kayak club plus many other paddling enthusiasts. All paddlers must be 18 years or older to paddle solo. Kids 15 and over can paddle solo with parent/ guardian consent. Kids 14 and younger can paddle with parent/guardian in a tandem kayak or canoe. There will be a $5 fee charged per person to cover the American Canoe Association insurance. For more info: Mississippi River Water Trail Association at www.greatriverwatertrail.org