Take a walk around the Tyrone area and there will be one common sight, no matter where you go – campers.
With camping season in full swing, regardless of the weather, families are loading up their RVs and heading off to their favorite campgrounds. Many campgrounds and parks are holding special events to attract area campers.
This is true of Prince Gallitzin State Park, located on 6,249 acres in northern Cambria County. The major attraction of Prince Gallitzin is the 1,600 acre Glendale lake as well as its large campground. However, in an effort to educate the public and attract potential campers, Prince Gallitzin has released a schedule of events to take place from August 5 through August 13. The events include environmental programs and educational children’s games.
The programs begin on Thursday, August 5 at 8:30 p.m. with a nocturnal animal search. This is a one-hour program designed to help individuals learn how to walk silently through the woods to try and find nocturnal creatures. The evening’s adventure will begin at Cabin 8.
Two events are scheduled for Friday, August 6. First, kids are invited to play Bird Bingo at 3:30 p.m. on the beach. Children will participate in a fun game of bingo while learning about birds and bird calls. Later that evening, at 8:30 p.m. at the Campground Amphitheater, George Detwiler, Firearms and PA Hunters Education Instructor, will present “Eddie Eagle Firearm Safety.” This education program presents important safety information to children, including how to handle situations involving firearms.
Several events will be held on Saturday, August 7, including – a hunters of the sky presentation, a country music concert and a pontoon tour of Glendale Lake. At 3:30 p.m. there will be a “Hunters of the Sky” presentation at the Campground Beach. Children will learn about birds of prey. This hour-long program will be include a lot of hands on demonstrations. Then at 7 p.m. the whole family can gather at the Campground Amphitheater to hear special guest, Kenny Biter, as he plays new and old country songs on the guitar. Also at 7 p.m. there will be a pontoon tour of Glendale Lake, where participants will learn about wildlife, park history and features of the park. There is a charge of $6 per person for the two-hour tour. Reservations should be made in advance.
Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m. there will be kayaking on the lake. Participants may bring their own kayak or rent one at the park. The minimum age for this event is 12 years of age and registration is required.
A second night hike will take place on Thursday, August 12 at 8:30 p.m. beginning at Cabin 8.
Finally, events will conclude on Friday, August 13 with two exciting events. At 3:30 p.m. there will be a search for animal homes and hangouts for the kids. The one-hour program will take place at the Campground Beach. In the evening, individuals can become a wetland winner by taking part in a Wetland Game Show. The game will be held at the Campground Amphitheater where teams will participate by answering true/false and multiple choice questions relating to the wetlands.
Individuals with questions or those who would like to sign up for the pontoon tour or kayaking event can call 814-674-1018 for more information.
