Spend the night in one of Canada’s natural and cultural treasures!

Ottawa (Ontario), April 18, 2013 -- Parks Canada, in collaboration with Mountain Equipment Co-op, is inviting young urban families and new Canadians to a first-time camping experience and learn about camping basics such as how to set up a tent, how to cook outdoors, what to pack, and other real Parks Canada and Mountain Equipment Co-op staff tips to make your camping adventure a success.

“The Learn to Camp initiative will provide Canadians, especially those living in urban centres away from Canada’s national treasures, the necessary skills and knowledge to have an amazing experience while connecting with our country’s nature and culture,” said the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. “This memorable journey of hands-on experiences will inspire Canadians to get engaged in the protection of these places for the benefit of future generations.”

Learn-to camp events will take place across the country over the summer with main events scheduled on June 22^nd and 23^rd. This initiative is aimed at introducing young families and new Canadians in urban centres to the joys of camping and related activities. Parks Canada is working with different immigration and urban outreach associations across the country to invite new Canadians and young families to participate in these special Learn to Camp events. The goal is to gather an average of 100 participants per location. The Learn to Camp experiences will occur in or near an urban centre, and for locations that are further away, transportation will be arranged for participants in certain cases.

“Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) has a deep passion for the outdoors and a long history of inspiring Canadians to camp as a way to explore the backcountry”, said Senja Palonen, MEC's Community and Envoy Program Coordinator. “Through partnerships like the Learn-to-camp initiative, MEC and Parks Canada will help more Canadians discover their love for the outdoors while learning the basics of camping in a fun and engaging environment.”

To register to this overnight camping experience, please call 1­-888­-773-­8888.

The Government of Canada believes strongly in preserving, promoting and celebrating our country’s natural and cultural heritage. This Learn to Camp initiative is one example of what the government is doing to share the great stories of our country, to support families and improve the health of Canadians.

To view the complete list of Learn to Camp events throughout the country and for additional information, please visit the Learn to Camp section under Learn and Discover on the Parks Canada Website at
www.pc.gc.ca.

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Information:
Media Relations
Parks Canada
819-953-8371
www.twitter.com/parkscanada