**** LANDS/Forestry Media Release

Program Teaches Camping, Fishing Basics

Nova Scotians curious about camping can register for a fun and informative overnight experience at a provincial park.

The Learn 2 Camp weekend program teaches camping essentials like how to build a fire, set up a tent, cook a meal and choose and use equipment. It takes place July 13 and 14 at Smileys Provincial Park in Hants County and includes a night of camping.

The program also includes a hands-on sportfishing workshop where participants can learn safe and ethical angling skills and equipment basics.

Applications are being accepted until June 28.

Nova Scotia’s campgrounds continue to grow in popularity and a record number of campers enjoyed provincial campgrounds last season. More than 82,000 campsite nights were booked in 2018, an increase of five per cent over 2017. Bookings have gone up about 30 per cent since 2014.

Learn 2 Camp is delivered in partnership with Scouts Canada-Nova Scotia Council and Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia.

“The program is very popular with newcomers to Nova Scotia. It provides a great introduction to camping so our clients can experience camping before having to buy all the equipment required,” says Lani Poce, co-ordinator of the association’s Community Connection Program.

“Our clients love seeing and experiencing different parts of Nova Scotia. The partnership has reduced some of the barriers to camping for newcomers by providing the resources necessary for them to participate.”

Registration is $60 for four people and $10 for each additional person. More information is available online at http://parks.novascotia.ca/learn2camp