Community Invited to Sleep Over Under the Stars

(Mission, Texas) – This summer, the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas, will open to the general public for tent camping on a limited basis. The Community Camp Outs will take place on June 23, July 14 and August 11. These Saturday-night sleep overs under the stars will take place from 6 pm – 8 am, and cost $40 per tent. There will be planned outdoor activities led by staff of the National Butterfly Center, such as a night hike, owl hunt, and black lighting for insects and moths. A community camp fire will be provided for those who wish to enjoy a rustic camp experience, and of course, s’mores for everyone!

“Every year, our Girl Scout camp out sells out and community members ask when they may spend the night, here,” explains Marianna Trevino Wright, executive director of the National Butterfly Center. “Well, we thought now would be the perfect time to start! People inside and outside of the Valley have some pretty strange ideas about what life on the Rio Grande River is like, so this is our chance to dispel some myths and start some new traditions. We are excited to share the tranquility of our gardens and grounds at night, away from the noise and light pollution of town, with everyone who wants to join us.”

This is the perfect camping trip for beginners, who may be uncertain about striking out on their own somewhere far from home; as well as for experienced campers who just want to stay, here, in the midst of the Lower Rio Grande Wildlife Conservation Corridor. The center also has a limited number of tents available for use by individuals or families that have not made the decision to purchase their own, yet, on a first-come-first-served basis. The August 11 camp out will coincide with the one-year anniversary of the March to Save Mission rally against the border wall and include special activities to commemorate that event.

Pre-registration for the community camp outs are required. This may be done online at www.NationalButterflyCenter.org, where more details and information may be found.

The National Butterfly Center is open to the public, for visitors and members, seven days/week. To learn more about us and how to join, visit www.nationalbutterflycenter.org, or call 956.583.5400. Your annual membership or charitable gift impacts the beauty of our community and helps preserve the biologically-diverse, natural treasures of deep South Texas.