Do you want to learn the joys of camping in the great outdoors but don’t know where to begin? Missouri State Parks has the perfect program for you.

Missouri State Parks is teaming up with The North Face’s Explore Your Parks Program this summer to teach families how to have an enjoyable and safe camping experience in its Learn2 Camp program.  Some families may want to go camping but are uncertain how and what equipment is needed. The new Learn2 Camp Program answers all those questions with camping experts who will lend a hand with every aspect of the adventure.

This summer, 40 families will have the opportunity to participate in the program, which will be held at five different Missouri state parks during June. Workshops will be held at the following locations:

• June 2 – Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, Lawson.
• June 9 – Sam A. Baker State Park, Patterson.
• June 16 – Stockton State Park, Stockton.
• June 23 – Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, Wildwood.
• June 30 – Thousand Hills State Park, Kirksville.

“It’s hard to imagine an activity that brings families together better than camping,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Our goal is to help everyone become more familiar with camping so they too can enjoy this great experience,” he said.

In the Learn2 Camp program, Missouri State Parks will supply the camping equipment, instructors to teach basic camping skills, a campsite in a state park campground, recipes and a list of things you should bring. Each lucky camping family should bring food for meals, bedding, personal items such as soap, etc., and a willingness to learn and discover the outdoors.

To become one of the lucky families, tell us why your family wants to learn to camp in 500 words or less. Also, select your first and second choices for the Learn2 Camp program locations and dates. Application deadline is 5 p.m. May 11 and the winners will be notified by Tuesday, May 15.

A family group is considered up to six people, with at least one person 18 years of age or older. Please include adequate adult supervision for children to ensure the program can be educational and enjoyable for everyone.

To apply to be a lucky Learn2 Camp program family or for more information on the program, go to mostateparks/learn2camp. To learn more about the parks where the programs will be held or all state park campgrounds, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.