By Devon Cormier
Staff Writer

The New Boston Parent-Teacher Association has found a use for the Christmas trees people are throwing out.

On Saturday, Jan. 22, from 2 - 4pm, the trees will line the gym of the New Boston Central School as the PTA throws its first-ever family fun event – with a camping theme.

"This year we tried to focus a little more on community and family and a little less on commercial things," said Jillian Smith, the PTA's fundraising chairman. "We’re trying to get closer to people’s hearts."

Smith said the event will involve a dark gym, tents, flashlights and an artificial camp fire. The PTA is trying to make the gym feel like a summer camping trip for the children.

Activities will take place inside each tent and include board games, crafts and, of course, trail mix and s'mores.

"Hopefully, the kids will walk through the door and feel like they’ve gone somewhere else for a few hours," Smith said. "We’ll have bug noises, an artificial fire and a Boy Scout leader will lead a camp fire with songs and stories."

Smith said the day is just a way to give back to the parents and community members who support various PTA fundrais-ers. The PTA is responsible for organizing more than half a dozen events each year that raise about $26,000. The money goes to the artist-in-residence program, the DARE program, the babysitting course, playground improvements and maintenance, Camp Sargent for the sixth-graders and many other programs and events.

"The event is our way of saying thank you because our families work very hard for us," Smith said.

The camp-themed idea came to Smith when she was trying to get to sleep one night. She had gathered ideas from friends and family after conceiving the idea for the event itself, but nothing seemed to fit. The camp idea seemed perfect.

The activities and events will be suited to all elementary students, and there will be an area for preschoolers as well. Smith said the recommended donation for each child is $3, but she doesn’t want the donation to exclude anyone. Parents get in free and are encouraged to stay and play with their children. Siblings are also welcome. Anyone with questions can contact Smith at 487-9925.