Canadians encouraged to register for Parks Canada's Learn-to Camp program
OTTAWA, May 12, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, Parks Canada's Honourary Guide for Families, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, shared their passion for the outdoors with school children as they led a Learn-to Camp event with the help of Members of Parliament and university students. Together, they taught the young participants how to set-up a tent and shared some valuable camping tips, along with other fun activities.
Parks Canada's Learn-to Camp program creates a connection between first-time campers and the camping experience, helping Canadian families, including many newcomers, overcome barriers to planning and enjoying safe camping trips. Participants learn practical skills like how to set-up a tent, use a camp stove and light a campfire as well as important safety skills. Participants also learn to appreciate the outdoors through hiking, photography, bird watching and star gazing. Camping gear is provided – all that is needed is a sleeping bag!
The Government of Canada recently expanded the Learn-to Camp program in time for Canada 150 to allow more Canadians to participate in the initiative and reach new audiences in urban locations, including low- to medium-income families. The program empowers Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn about our environment. To reach more Canadians, Parks Canada will be offering Learn-to Camp activities in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Ottawa and Edmonton in 2017, in addition to other locations.
For information on how to register for a Learn-to Camp event, please visit: http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/serapprocher-connect/ltc-dlc/ltc-dlc08.
The Government is also very pleased to offer free admission to all Parks Canada places in 2017 in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Confederation. The FREE Parks Canada 2017 Discovery Pass provides unlimited opportunities to enjoy national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas across the country.
Parks Canada is encouraging visitors to plan their trips and discover new breathtaking locations by consulting Parks Canada's website for a list of hidden gems and other unique and memorable ways to celebrate Canada 150: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/voyage-travel/2017.aspx.
Quotes
"As someone who loves the outdoors, I encourage all Canadians to discover their national parks as a great way to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Parks Canada's Learn-to Camp program helps many young families learn the basic skills they need to make nature a part of their lives by providing them with the information and means to enjoy the outdoors. Register for a Learn-to Camp event near you and take advantage of free admission to all our national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas during Canada 150."
The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
"There is no better way to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation than by enjoying the outdoors and discovering the countless benefits of nature for our health and wellness. I invite all Canadians and their families to visit our national parks this summer and to take part in Parks Canada's Learn-to Camp program. Your camping experiences will create long lasting memories for your families as it has done for ours."
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau
Parks Canada's Honourary Guide for Families
Quick Facts
- Parks Canada, in partnership with Mountain Equipment Co-op, delivers the Learn-to Camp events near many urban centres.
- Visit parkscanada.gc.ca/learntocamp for more information on learning how to camp and call
1-844-365-2646 to register for Parks Canada's Learn-to Camp events for summer 2017 - Since 2011, nearly 10 000 people have had the opportunity to participate in one or more Learn-to Camp programs from coast to coast. From a modest beginning of 11 events in 2011, Parks Canada has worked with partners to reach new audiences and held 29 events at 25 locations in 2016, with even more planned in 2017.
- The FREE Parks Canada 2017 Discovery Pass is available from the Parks Canada website as well as at Parks Canada entry gates and visitor centres. Partners such as Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) and CIBC will also be distributing passes for Parks Canada.
Related Link
SOURCE Parks Canada
Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers, Office of the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, 613-462-5473, [email protected]; Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, [email protected]
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