Connect with Nature with Parks Canada’s Learn-to Camp at Port au Choix National Historic Site and Gros Morne National Park

Canadians encouraged to register for Parks Canada’s popular Learn-to Camp program

July 13, 2018                Rocky Harbour and Port au Choix, NL        Parks Canada Agency

Parks Canada’s Learn-to Camp program is a chance for first-time campers to try out a camping experience by learning how to plan and enjoy safe and successful camping trips. Families learn basic camping skills including how to set-up a tent and light a campfire. They also have the opportunity to discover the outdoors through activities such as hiking, photography, bird watching, and star gazing. Camping gear is provided – all that is needed is a sleeping bag!

The Government expanded the Learn-to Camp program to enable more Canadians to connect with nature. In the last year, the Learn-to Camp program has grown from 10,000 participants to over 100,000 participants across the country. The program empowers Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn more about our environment and heritage through different activities. The Learn-to Camp program is offered at many locations across Canada.

The Learn-to Camp events at Port au Choix National Historic Site and Gros Morne National Park will take place on July 21-22 and July 28-29 respectively, in partnership with Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC). These Learn-to Camp events are overnight adventures and will focus on learning new camping and related skills and creating lifelong camping memories with family in a spectacular natural setting.

The Port au Choix Learn-to Camp will be supported by the Qalipu First Nation and the Norpen Aboriginal Women’s Circle, and will incorporate Indigenous knowledge into the event’s activities. The event in Gros Morne National Park is being developed in partnership with the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and will focus on engaging children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families and caregivers in a camping environment. Both events are free and Parks Canada will provide tents and some basic camping supplies. To register, visit Learn-to Camp with Parks Canada and MEC, call 709-458-2417 or email grosmorne.info@pc.gc.ca.

Developing new and innovative programs and services, like the Learn-to camp, enables more Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to experience the outdoors and learn about our environment and heritage. The Learn-to Camp program encourages Canadians to visit their national parks and historical places and provides them with the information and means to enjoy them.

During the Canada 150 celebrations last year, millions of Canadians had amazing experiences at Parks Canada places across the country. Building on this success, the Government of Canada is celebrating families and the importance of protected areas this year with free admission to Parks Canada places for youth, starting in 2018 and beyond. Admission to Parks Canada places will also be free for one year for new Canadian citizens.