Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Have you ever wanted to bring your family camping but weren't sure where to start? The Arizona Family Campout Program is a one-weekend adventure designed for families who have little-or-no experience camping. The program will provide tents, sleeping mats and introduce families to the new adventure of camping at an Arizona

State Park.

How To Do It

Throughout the weekend families will work with a Camp Coordinator and other families to learn how to set-up their tent and how to prepare a dinner, breakfast, and lunch outdoors. In addition, there will be activities, including (depending on the park): mountain biking, hiking, fishing, archery, geocaching, animal demonstrations, campfire stories, birding, and more. Families will also get to work on a service project.

Participants have praised the program. A parent from a previous session remarked, "Just got home from our family campout with Arizona State Parks staff and we had an absolute blast. My kids were thoroughly entertained and educated the entire time. We will surely be talking about it for years to come."

Participating State Parks And Weekend Dates

• Catalina, Tucson (Session A): March 7 and 8

• Lost Dutchman, Apache Junction (Session A): March 14 and 15

• Cattail Cove, Lake Havasu City: April 11 and 12

• Kartchner Caverns, Benson (Session A): April 11 and 12

• Catalina, Tucson (Session B): April 18 and 19

• Lost Dutchman, Apache Junction (Session B): April 18 and 19

• Kartchner Caverns, Benson (Session B): April 25 and 26

• Red Rock, Sedona: May 2 and 3

• Dead Horse Ranch, Cottonwood: June 6 and 7

• Lyman Lake, St. Johns: June 6 & 7

Families should bring food, sleeping bags or any bedding, pillows, camping chairs, flashlights, clothing, sturdy shoes and personal items including toothpaste, towels, soap, etc.

The program will provide tents, sleeping mats, lanterns, GPS units, and all activity equipment. Beverages provided include water, coffee, tea, and Gatorade. Snacks provided include fruits, vegetables, granola bars and trail mix.

Families are responsible for bringing for two lunches, dinner and breakfast. Menu ideas and packing tips are provided on the Web site at AZStateParks.com/Family.

Registration is now open for spring sessions at AZStateParks.com/Family. The program fee is $70 for a family of four. Additional family members are $5 each. (Sorry, children 5 years and younger or pets cannot attend this program.)

FAMILY FUN – The Arizona Family Campout Program is a one-weekend adventure designed for families who are new to camping. Much is provided by Arizona State Parks to make this a fun and educational experience.

Registration is limited and is first-come, first-served. For more information and to register visit AZStateParks.com/Family.

Thanks To AmeriCorps

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.

More Information

For information about all 28 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office, call (602) 542-4174 or visit AZStateParks.com. Campsite reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283. Open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.

Follow AZStateParks on Twitter and Facebook. Arizona State Parks: http://www.azstateparks.com