SPORTS + OUTDOORS

Have you always wanted to take your family camping, but really weren't sure how to go about it? If so, Brazos Bend State Park hosts a two-day program on April 9th & 10th designed for folks just like you.

During the overnight Texas Outdoor Family Program, families will spend much of the weekend learning not only how to pitch a tent, cook outdoors and learn about nature, but also how to use a global positioning system (GPS) to navigate trails and locate hidden caches. The program also teaches participants about conservation ethics and introduces them to park rangers and what they do.

Brazos Bend State Park offers 5000 acres of ecological diversity. The extensive trail system for hiking and biking travels through tall-grass prairies, bottomland hardwood forests and varied wetland ecosystems. Wildlife viewing ranges from excellent bird watching to alligator viewing. Fishing and photography are two other popular park pastimes. The park's nature center gives a thorough introduction to all, including live animal displays. Visit our web site at www.brazosbend.org.

The workshop costs $65 per family (up to six people), and includes individual camping sites for each family, restrooms with hot showers, professional park ranger-led programs and instruction, overnight state park police officer public safety and security, a curriculum developed specifically for use and enjoyment of a state park, and state park Junior Ranger certification programs. The entire approach adopts a 'Leave No Trace' philosophy so it's environmentally friendly.

"There's no experience, equipment or supplies (other than sleeping bags and food) necessary for these workshops," said Chris Holmes, the State Park Outdoor Programs Coordinator who is organizing the new workshop series. "We recognize that many people in today's increasingly urban culture don't have the same skills or backgrounds as earlier generations of Texans. These weekend workshops offer a supportive environment where families can get started in safe and comfortable settings." He continues, "Everybody is welcome at these workshops and the definition of a family comes in many forms, it may be you and your partner, grandchildren, single parents, friends from church, school or neighborhood."

For workshops in state parks, families are expected to bring their own food for the two-day workshops, and a suggested shopping and packing lists for meals and personal items will be provided.

Visit the Texas Outdoor Family Web page http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/bof/  for more information, including the complete schedule of weekend workshops.

Families can register by calling (512) 389-8903 and speaking to a Texas Outdoor Family representative Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-to-6 p.m., or send e-mail to tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us,  anytime. After registration, a confirmation packet with directions and details will be sent.