Celebrate The Great American Backyard Campout on June 22, 2013

The Maryland Park Service has teamed with the National Wildlife Federation to celebrate the Great American Backyard Campout on June 22, 2013 with events at four State Parks. The cost of each event varies and all proceeds support nature education programs.

On June 22 thousands of people across the nation will participate in The Great American Backyard Campout as they gather in backyards, neighborhoods, communities and parks for a one-night event that encourages a new generation to explore the wonders of nature and have fun participating in a classic,
family-friendly outdoor activity known as camping.

Maryland State Parks invites you to join them for a
night under the stars at one of their fabulous facilities.

"Click here" for the list of Maryland State Parks sponsoring Great American Backyard Campout programs. No previous camping experience required! They'll provide family-friendly activities, along with some fun giveaways from National Wildlife Federation.

Kids Can Explore Maryland State Parks As A Junior Ranger

The Maryland Park Service offers unique summer programs for children age 7 to 14 to become Junior Rangers. During this six session program, Junior Rangers will explore a park’s natural and historical areas, learn stewardship, and explore recreational opportunities. The best part of becoming a Junior Ranger though is receiving patches of completion and having the opportunity to continue on to bigger and better programs with the Maryland Park Service.

Sprouts
The Junior Ranger Sprout program is offered to children 2-4 years of age with the goal of getting young children comfortable and excited about our natural and historical surroundings. Join the Park Ranger, Naturalist, or Historian on a hands-on mini adventure in the great outdoors. The Sprout program is only available at select locations. Please check the program schedule for more information.

Park Pals
The Junior Ranger Park Pals program is offered to children 3-7 years of age and is aimed at getting younger children acclimated to the outdoors and prepared for the Junior Ranger Program. Join the Park Ranger, Naturalist, or Historian for great programs and adventures throughout the park. The Park Pals program is only available at select locations. Please check the program schedule for more information.

Maryland State Parks Team Up With The North Face Explore Your Parks Program To Help Families Get Outdoors in 2013

For the fourth year in a row, the Maryland Park Service (MPS) is partnering with The North Face company for its annual Explore Your Parks program that encourages families to get outdoors and enjoy State Parks across the country.

"We're proud to have The North Face as a partner as we encourage everyone to have a more active, healthy lifestyle, all the while creating stronger connections between people and the outdoors," said MPS Superintendent Nita Settina. "Maryland's State Parks provide endless opportunities for kids and their families to be active and connect with nature – hiking, climbing, running, biking, volunteering, camping, playing sports, paddling and everything else their imagination allows."

As part of the program, Marylanders can receive a free day-pass to one of nine participating Maryland State Parks with the purchase of The North Face products at local retailers. The stores will also carry free activity guides that provide information on things to do at the parks. Participating in Maryland are Calvert Cliffs, Gambrill, Greenbrier, Gunpowder Falls, Patapsco Valley, Seneca Creek and Smallwood State Parks in addition to the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and Cedarville State Forest.

The Maryland Park Service is proud to partner with The North Face: Explore Your Parks, to offer an opportunity to camp at selected state parks.

With the new OPERATION: CAMPOUT! Program, we can lend you gear free of charge (includes a tent, chairs, stove, lantern and more). This program is designed for military individuals and military families new to camping or experienced campers stationed or recovering in this area. OPERATION: CAMPOUT! is an opportunity for families to reconnect with each other and the great outdoors in a comfortable, safe and relaxing setting. Choose from five Maryland State Parks including Patapsco Valley State Park, Pocomoke River State Park, Rocky Gap State Park, New Germany State Park or Swallow Falls State Park. Campsites have picnic tables and campfire rings. Bathrooms and hot showers are within walking distance. It’s never too late to discover the joys of sitting around a roaring campfire, roasting marshmallows or sleeping under the stars!

For more information, contact Christina Holden at (410) 260-8155 or by email at cholden@dnr.state.md.us. We are reaching out to wounded warriors stationed at nearby bases and hospitals and veterans with this program. We are committed to provide a means of reconnecting with family, friends and the outdoors.