Lakewood Ranch Community Campout lights a fire for families and friends

From headlamps to glowsticks, campers found creative ways to light up Greenbrook Adventure Park during the eighth annual Lakewood Ranch Community Campout on Feb. 21.

Approximately 150 people attended. 

Greenbrook's Jason Piercy has attended the event every year. 

"It's just to create memories," Piercy said. "We've got our family here and friends here. It’s just a good night to kind of check away from the world and just enjoy each other." 

Jase Piercy, Jason's 10-year-old son, said he looks forward to the event. He doesn't camp any other time.

"I like the science, and the movie at night," Jase Piercy said. "It's fun to look at the stars and the moon. We get to run around and get all our energy out."

Christina Barshinger, who has attended the campout for the last four years, came with a group of campers from an American Heritage Girls troop. They were earning their camping badge.

"What we love about this is that our children are super safe," Barshinger said. "We don't have to worry about snakes or bears. Traditional camping can kind of feel a little eerie but here we have all the amenities. The bathrooms are right here, and the food trucks are here. I feel like I can relax."

Keith Pandeloglou, the president and CEO of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, said it is interesting to see the shift in the age of attendees. He said the first year there were more teenagers, but now the children tend to be younger. 

"It's something different that's not in front of a screen," Pandeloglou said. "As an organization, we're mission driven by in-person connections and just seeing kids run has been great. I haven't seen a phone yet."