Published: May 15, 2008 09:20 am         

Senior citizens enjoy outdoors, activities

DANVILLE — A group of happy campers gathered Tuesday at Lincoln Park for their first outdoor meeting of the year.

These campers don’t fit the traditional mold and there’s no need for a counselor — they’re all at least 60-years-old. The group, now at about a dozen members, always welcomes newcomers.

Dorothy Jones joined the day camp six years ago, following her husband’s death.

“My husband and I delivered meals to the different CRIS sites for years,” Jones said. “After he passed away, I was very lonely.

“I went to CRIS for breakfast once and met this group of women. They asked me if I’d like to join their group.

“I’ve been coming ever since,” she said. “I needed to be with people.”

Fred Davidson from Fairmount joked, “She’s just looking for another man.”

Davidson attends the camp with his wife, Patty, and when the camp is outdoors, their two poodles join them. On Tuesday, Patty and some members of the group walked the dogs around the park’s pe-rimeter for their opening activity.

Next on the agenda was a game of cards — specifically Phase 10.

“It’s the more advanced version of Uno,” Joan Laird, a longtime camper, said. “Uno is for first-graders; Phase 10 is for second grade and above.”

Laird started coming to the day camp 20 years ago with her mother-in-law. After the younger woman retired, she began coming as a camper herself. She also provides transportation for anyone who wants to attend but can only get as far as CRIS.

Other sites for May include the Hideaway at Kennekuk County Park, including a boat ride, and Douglas Park.

“I stop at CRIS before I go where we’re meeting to see if anyone needs a ride,” Laird said.

Campers Joe and Patty Nelson live in Fairmount — so far the higher gas prices haven’t stopped them from this weekly outing.

“There’s no cost to belong,” Joe said, explaining why the trip is worth it. “You just show up. You bring your own lunch. You play games.

“In the winter, when we meet at CRIS, it’s the same, only with free coffee.”

Some members see one another for other special events besides the Tuesday camp sessions.

Marilyn Lancaster of Danville said, “Three of us are going to a dairy farm in Indiana soon. We’ve met for Red Mask and DLO shows. Most of us will go see ‘Annie’ (in Lincoln Park) this summer.”

Although the number of the group’s members may vary for these outings, all do their best to never miss their regular Tuesday camp session.

That last Tuesday of the month meeting sounded like the unanimous favorite. Instead of bringing their own sandwiches, chips, fruit and beverage, members hold a potluck.

There aren’t any dishes assigned, they said. Just like the mixture of their friendship, the meal always turns out just right.

FYI

CRIS Senior Services offers day camp every Tuesday of the year. The meetings are held outdoors from May through October. During chilly or wet weather, members use whatever shelter the park where they gather provides. The rest of the year, members meet at CRIS. For more information, call 443-2999.