Oct. 30, 2017 -- At the first-ever Gearity Family Campout on September 30, nearly 200 kids, parents and staff had fun participating in exciting outdoor activities and making new friends. The youth spent an afternoon launching water rockets, racing boats, building crafts, starting campfires, playing kickball, and hiking through the woods. 

Local Boy Scouts volunteered to run events and work with the younger kids throughout the day. In the late afternoon, a brief flag ceremony was held. After retiring the colors, a meal of hot dogs, homemade macaroni and cheese, potato chips, and cookies was served to all in attendance. Following dinner, a campfire program of songs and skits served as the perfect ending to a wonderful day. Everyone had the opportunity to sing, dance, and laugh while the sun set over the trees.

The field at Gearity Professional Development School was full of tents and small campfires as the evening ended. For many of the participants, this was their first opportunity to go camping. The event was made possible with the support of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District and the Lake Erie Council of the Boy Scouts of America.