Learn to Camp @ Ontario Parks 2013 Season Now Open
July 8, 2013Learn to Camp @ Ontario Parks is a successful initiative that has been run by Ontario Parks for the past 3 years. The overall intent of the program is to introduce new visitors to the provincial parks of Ontario, help new visitors gain skills and confidence for safe and enjoyable camping, and moreover inspire them to become life-long campers.
The initiative has proven to be particularly popular among New Canadians. For many newcomers camping is a new type of recreational activity, and a great way to connect with their newly adopted homeland, exploring the beautiful landscapes of Ontario’s Parks and protected areas in a safe, comfortable and fun environment.
The organizers of the initiative have developed a range of resources and hands-on –training opportunities to help address the various camping support needs of the new campers.
A comprehensive camping resource package is available on the program website http://www.ontarioparks.com/learntocamp/ for those interested in planning their camping trip on their own. Furthermore, free community sessions are provided in collaboration with the Ottawa libraries, to provide an introduction to camping and a hands-on equipment demonstration. The Schedule of the free community sessions can be accessed here http://www.ontarioparks.com/learntocamp/community_sessions.html
For those interested in supervised overnight camping, 1 and 2 night program options are available. There is a small fee for the overnight camping, which includes: a camp-side of up to six participants; use of camping equipment during the stay; training by Ontario Parks staff; use of park facilities throughout the stay; and parking for one vehicle at the camp-side. See what past particpants have said about the program by visiting: http://www.ontarioparks.com/learntocamp/graduates.html
Learn to Camp Program Coordinator Jeff Brown states that the interest in the Learn to Camp program in 2013 has been amazing. “About 4,000 people will join us on their very first overnight camping experience in one of Ontario’s beautiful provincial parks this summer!”
During the past years the overnight camping experience introduced camping to approximately 3,000 individuals, around ¾ of them being Canadian newcomers. 99% of participants reported they were likely to go camping again and 60% of the graduates from a previous year reported to be back to the campground for the next year.
The 2013 camping season will be open until the end of August. Ottawa visitors can find Learn to Camp programs at the near-by Murphys Point Provincal Park near Perth. Eight other provincial parks across the province are also included in this year’s program .
Registrations to the Learn to Camp program are accepted online at: http://www.ontarioparks.com/learntocamp/ or over the phone at 705-755-7275.
Participation in the Learn to Camp is a great way of learning of our provincial parks, making new friends, escaping the summer heat in the breeze of nature. Pass on the word through your networks to enable more Ottawans benefit from this excellent initiative.
For more information visit http://www.ontarioparks.com/learntocamp/