Getting back to nature
Learn 2 Camp program at Blomidon helps create camping confidence
It’s time to return to the outdoors.
“Camping is a wonderful pastime that everyone can enjoy,” says Carrie Drake, park planner for the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources.
“The natural world offers innumerable opportunities for outdoor recreation, solitude, challenge, and rejuvenation.”
Unfortunately, Nova Scotians aren’t getting out into nature as much any more. According to the Canadian Parks Council report, Connecting Canadians with Nature, Canadians are now spending more than 90 per cent of their time indoors. This may because there is increased competition for leisure time, growing pressures for structured learning, or a fear of the outdoors.
The Department of Natural Resources is trying to combat this problem and get people back to nature with its Learn 2 Camp Program, happening this July at Blomidon Provincial Park.
“It’s really about teaching the basics of camping and building confidence in these skills through hands-on learning,” says Drake.
It’s meant for those who are curious about camping, but don’t know where to start, or those who would like to try camping again but don’t want to invest in the gear just yet.
The Learn 2 Camp program is partnering with Scouts Canada – Nova Scotia Council, to deliver this event. The Scout instructors will be there to teach participants everything they need to know to camp.
“They’ll learn about how to build a campfire, campfire safety, how to cook outside, both on open fire and on Coleman stoves. They’ll learn how to choose equipment, meal plan, and about food safety, as well as how to set up camp using tents and tarps,” says Drake.
Learn 2 Camp runs July 29 to 30 at Blomidon Provincial Park. It is open to anyone who has an interest in camping – families, couples or solo campers are all welcome. The program is targeted towards people who are new to camping; however, Drake says it’s also great for folks who would like to brush up on existing skills and build confidence.
The cost is $60 for four