Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Arizona State Parks' successful Arizona Family Campout Program has announced spring dates. The program is designed for families who have little or no experience camping. It will introduce them to outdoor experiences over one weekend at an Arizona State Park and inspire them to continue to explore Arizona.

This spring several additional parks will be hosting this exciting program. They are as follow:

• Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson — April 12, 13 and April 26, 27

• Patagonia Lake State Park in Patagonia — March 22, 23

• Catalina State Park in Tucson — April 5, 6 and April 12, 13

• Buckskin Mountain State Park in Parker — May 3, 4

• Red Rock State Park in Sedona — May 10, 11

• Lyman Lake State Park in St. Johns — June 7, 8

The activities families will experience may include (depending on the park attending) mountain biking, hiking, fishing, archery, geocaching, animal demos, campfire stories, birding, and more.

Families should bring sleeping bags or any bedding, pillows, camping chairs, flashlights, clothing, sturdy shoes and personal items including toothpaste, towels, soap, etc. However, the following will be provided: tents, sleeping mats, lanterns, GPS units, and all activity equipment. Plus water, lemonade, coffee and food including one lunch, one dinner, one breakfast, snacks and campfire treats.

The registration fee is $85 for a family of four and any additional family member is $5 for each person. Children 5 years and younger and pets cannot attend this program. The registration is limited. To register or for more information, visit AZStateParks.com/family.

The Arizona Family Campout Program is made possible by an AmeriCorps grant through the Arizona Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism. AmeriCorps is a National Service initiative, promoted and supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Program is also supported by Lower Gear Backpacking Center and local community sponsors.