First Learn To Camp Weekend a Success

Thirty-six happy campers graduated this weekend from the first Learn To Camp program offered by Nova Scotia Provincial Parks.

"Camping is part of the Nova Scotia tradition and the Learn To Camp program was a great success in helping people refresh their camping skills or introduce their children to the pleasures of overnighting in one of our provincial camping parks," said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources. "We'll review how things went to look at options for the program for next year."

The crash course in camping at Smiley's Provincial Park in Hants County attracted adult and young participants who learned how to select outdoor cooking gear, choose a campsite, put up a tent, start a campfire and cook outdoors.

"It was a wonderful weekend; our kids were exposed to that great camping experience many remember growing up in Nova Scotia and we can't wait to go out camping as a family now in our favourite provincial park," said Christine Sykora, of Halifax.

Participants were provided a campsite for four, workshops on camping, including the RCMP's Hug a Tree program, campfire entertainment, an evening and morning campsite meal, and a chance to learn how to fish or pan for gold. It cost $60 per family, or group of four, and tents for the night were donated by Canadian Tire.

For more information on Nova Scotia's 20 camping parks, go to www.novascotiaparks.ca.