Join the Great American Campout
Unplug and kick back with this summer’s Great American Campout
It’s still possible to fall asleep counting stars this summer in New Mexico, whether your starry, starry night is at home in your backyard, backpacking in the wilderness or in a public campground.
The National Wildlife Federation is encouraging camping early and often as part of the Great American Campout 2016 — June 25 through Sept. 30 — hoping more people fall in love with the great outdoors.
Their goal is simple for the event’s 12th anniversary. “Happy campers protect wildlife,” says National Wildlife Federation spokeswoman Lacey McCormick. She predicts thousands of Americans will unplug their devices and spend the night outside as a way to reconnect with nature.
Annual outing
Every year for the past five years, Los Alamos County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division has held a campout for the public. This year’s was this weekend at Overlook Park in White Rock. It’s held in conjuction with the Great American Campout effort, says program manager Dianne Marquez.
Local astronomy clubs bring telescopes, and with little light pollution, the stars blaze and twinkle, Marquez says. “We have such a beautiful night sky. It’s fun to get everyone out under the stars. It’s just fun to be outside.”
Campers learn practical skills, like how to set up a tent, extinguish a campfire and stay safe from bears and snakes, she says.
For any camping experience, staying safe should always be paramount: “We’ve had a lot of bear activity. A dog got bit this weekend,” Marquez says. “Being in the wilderness is part of life here, most people have wilderness trail not far from their back door.”
Marquez, originally from Southern California, grew up camping there on the beach and in the mountains and in New Mexico, when she visited family here. “It’s what drew me to New Mexico,” she says.
Camping is an excellent opportunity for families to connect to each other, instead of their electronics, she says.
In a news release, Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, says, “Camping is a traditonal part of the American summertime experience. Families who spend meaningful time in nature often report that their children demonstrate greater focus, creativity and calmness.” That can lead to better school performance, relationships and encourages leadership skills, he adds.
The organization would like campers to take a camping pledge at and share photos with them on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Visit nwf.org for details.
Camping tips
Here are some camping tips, whether camping at home or
somewhere else in the great outdoors.
Bring essentials and travel light. Plan to have a tent, sleeping bag and/or blanket, bug spray, flashlights, sunscreen, extra layers of clothes (in case of cold or rainy weather), matches, trash bags, a first aid kit, a multi-purpose knife and any necessary toiletries.
Bring a lot of water. Pack high-energy healthy snacks such as granola bars, nuts, dried fruit and other items that don’t require cooking in case fire is banned.
If it’s hot, bring moisture wicking clothes that protect from the sun. Bring rain gear — a jacket, hat and water resistant shoes, just in case.
Practice “Leave No Trace” camping. If you find an existing campsite, use it. If you create a new campsite, avoid disturbing the earth and plants.
If you use a campfire, keep it small. If you find an existing fire ring use it. Stay away from trees, grass and other plants. Use only small pieces of dead wood found lying on the ground. Before you leave, make sure the fire is extinguished and fill in the fire pit with sand or soil. Stay on the trail. Pick up any trash you find. Relax and have fun.