PHOENIX — Aspiring outdoorsy families can now register for overnight weekend camping classes this fall through a program managed by Arizona State Parks and Trails.
The Arizona Family Campout Program is held at a series of public campgrounds.
Designed for those with limited camping experiences, the program teaches outdoorsy skills such as tent setup and campfire cooking.
Equipment for various outdoor activities like fishing, archery, kayaking and geocaching will be provided, according to Bob Broscheid, the executive director of Arizona State Parks and Trails.
“Arizona Family Campout is one of the ways our amazing team is working hard to connect people with Arizona’s plentiful recreation opportunities,” Broscheid said in a Tuesday announcement.
Where will Arizona Family Campout Program be held?
- Sept. 6-7: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Payson.
- Sept. 13-14: Slide Rock State Park, Sedona.
- Sept. 27-28: Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson.
- Oct. 11-12: Lake Havasu State Park, Lake Havasu.
- Oct. 17-19: Roper Lake State Park, Safford (two-night event).
- Nov. 8-9: at Picacho Peak State Park, Eloy.
- Nov. 15-16: Oracle State Park, Oracle.
How much does it cost to join Arizona Family Campout Program?
Registration is $90 for a family of up to four people for one night — or $110 for both nights. Families with more than four members must pay an additional $5 per person and contact organizers to make special arrangements.
Children must be at least 6 years old to join the Arizona Family Campout Program. Pets are not allowed.
The program provides tents, sleeping mats, lanterns, backpacks, camp chairs, first-aid kits, snacks, beverages and activity equipment. Plates, bowls and cups will also be supplied.
Each family must bring meals for lunch and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Healthy snacks and propane stoves will be provided, but families should bring their own pots, pans, cooking utensils, forks, knives and spoons.
Campers will also have to bring their own medications, towels for swimming and bathing, refillable water bottles, sleeping bags, bedding and pillows, toiletries and sturdy shoes and clothes appropriate for outdoor activities and weather.
“Families who participate say that they are life-changing weekends that really introduce them to the parks and the ways they can enjoy them, and our program is also award-winning,” Broscheid said.
The post Time to explore! Fall registration opens for Arizona Family Campout appeared first on KTAR.
