Free Air-Conditioned Barracks Camping

This is a free camp offered as a celebration of NEO. To ensure people show up if they rsvp, you are paying a $20 deposit up front that will be refunded when you show up at camp.

NEO has reserved the barracks and group hall at Stephen F. Austin State Park to host a laid-back and fun weekend for NEO people. This is going to be a pretty chill weekend. We will bring games and a movie screen to enjoy in the recreation hall. You can bring whatever activities you might want to enjoy as well. We will have access to a refrigerator and stove as well as electricity and showers. There is a smoker on site, but our ability to use it is based on whether there is a burn ban or not. NEO will provide food for this event.

Campers may start arriving at 4:00 PM on Friday, and we will be all packed up by 12:00 PM on Sunday. You may stay and enjoy the park for the rest of the day on Sunday if you like. Please visit the park website at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/stephen-f-austin for more information about the park.

Anyone is welcome to participate. We are limited to 24 overnight campers, but anyone can come during the day on Saturday to just hang out and enjoy the park and NEO activities for the day.

The cost of staying for the entire weekend is NOTHING (FREE), only a $20 deposit per person is required when you RSVP. Refunded after you arrive for the event.

The overnight sleeping accommodations are bunk beds. You will need to bring your own pillows, sheets and blankets or sleeping bags to use on your bed. Both individuals and families are welcome to attend. Just know you will be in mixed company.

Feel free to bring any games or activities you may want to enjoy in the recreation hall or out on our lawn. Again, we may or may not be able to have a campfire or use the grill depending on whether there is a burn ban. While NEO is providing food, you are welcome to bring potluck items or special foods since we will have access to a refrigerator.

During this event, we will act as a community for the weekend, and everyone will chip in to cook, clean, etc. NEO will bring some of our life-size games and a ton of board and card games. We'll do some hiking and biking on the park trails, as well. If the skies are clear, we will bring out one or both of our telescopes. We'll also host some fun educational activities like having a tent-pitching competition, playing "OH Deer" to learn about wildlife ecology, etc. Just come ready to have a good time.

No refunds will be offered for this event. If you need to cancel for any reason, you may sell or give your spot to someone else. Thank you for understanding.

Helpful things to pack:

Personal Items:

• toiletries
• medications
• towel
• sunglasses
• lip balm
• sunscreen
• bug spray

Clothes:

• bring comfy clothing appropriate for all weather conditions
• Sun-protective clothing if possible
• comfy tennis shoes (NO OPEN-TOED SHOES)
• rain jacket or poncho (we can always hope, right?)

Sleeping Gear:

• pajamas
• ear plugs to help sleep at night
• sheets and blankets or sleeping bag
• pillow

Miscellaneous:

• folding camp chair or something to sit on outdoors
• flashlight / headlamp (minimum 100 lumens) / lantern with extra batteries
• camera
• special foods or snacks