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State
DEC and Parks Announce
New
York State First-Time Camper Program
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Albany,
NY – May 2017 / Newsmaker Alert / The
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) and the Office of
Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) have announced
that New York State will provide free First-Time
Camper weekends throughout the summer in 2017. Families that have never
camped before will have the opportunity to see if they enjoy sleeping under
the stars before investing in their own gear by registering for a fully
stocked campsite at select state campgrounds one weekend from July 7 through
August 25, 2017.
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“Camping
is a rewarding experience that is one of the best ways for families to
connect to nature and spend time with each other in the great outdoors
and it’s very affordable” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “I encourage
anyone that hasn’t had a camping adventure in any of New York’s many beautiful
natural areas, to take advantage of this great new First-Time Camper program
and give it a try.”
State
Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, “Active lifestyles strengthen mind,
muscles, heart and lungs and New York State provides ample opportunity
to run, walk, hike, swim, launch a canoe or kayak, or ride a bike especially
near and around our campgrounds. New York States campgrounds and open space
are affordable and offer an abundance of ways to keep a healthy way of
life and strengthen social bonds.”
Long-time
campers know the enjoyment and rewards of sleeping under the stars, but
for those who have never slept in a tent before, spending the night outdoors
can be an unfamiliar adventure. New York State’s First-Time Camper program
will make trying camping for the first time easy by providing a turnkey
camping experience for families, especially those from underserved communities
that have never camped before.
The
new campers will be provided with a family tent, sleeping bags, sleeping
pads, camp chairs, lantern, and even firewood. A Camping Ambassador will
meet families at the campsite and help them get camp set up with a camping
101 lesson. Bathrooms and hot showers are a short walk from the campsites.
To make the weekend getaway even more enjoyable, campers will have an opportunity
to learn from experts how to fish, hike, bird watch, paddle and more, all
while having fun and making memories that last forever.
Author
Richard Louv’s book Last Child in the Woods shined a light on America’s
growing disconnect with nature - coining it “Nature Deficit Disorder.”
Initiatives such as the First-Time Camper program will give families a
unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural world around them.
Campgrounds
are available throughout the state to give all New Yorkers an opportunity
to participate. Campground locations:
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7/7-7/9
- North South Lake (Catskills)
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7/14-7/16
- Wellesley Island State Park
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7/21-7/23
- Paradox Lake (Adirondacks)
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7/28-7/30
- Schodack Island State Park
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8/4-8/6
- Kenneth L Wilson (Catskills)
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8/11-8/13
- Green Lakes State Park
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8/18-8/20
- Hearthstone Point (Adirondacks)
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8/25-8/27
- Hamlin Beach State Park
Reservations
are required and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis starting
May 17, 2017 from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. by calling 518-474-6718. For more information
on the First-time Camper
Weekend Program, visit DEC’s website.
Source
Document
Media
Contact:
Press
Office
518-474-8418
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov |