Texas Spoken Friendly
Few states can match the breadth of activities offered by Texas state parks. From horseback riding and aerial tram rides to world-class fishing, mountain biking and beautiful scenery, Texas state parks have it all. Many are located about an hour's drive of major urban centers, making them perfect day-trip getaways. Still others lie in the more remote, scenic reaches of the state, beckoning travelers to stay a while.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has scheduled a full slate of Texas Outdoor Family workshops this fall designed to introduce even more families to the ease and joy of camping in one of dozens of Texas state parks.
Since its inception in 2008, 1,040 families have participated in the two-day, supervised outdoor education program, learning how set up a campsite, cook outdoors, hike, fish, use GPS devices, and learn other outdoor skills.
During the current fiscal year that ends on August 31, 578 families (2,123 people) attended 58 outdoor family workshops offered throughout much of the state. Twenty-six workshops were full, resulting in 135 families placed on a waiting list. Workshop participants were split almost evenly between adults and children.
The Jamail Family of Mountain City, south of Austin, landed a spot for the popular outdoor family workshop held at Inks Lake State Park near Burnet last April. Darryl Jamail and his wife Stephanie, who have children ranging from 5 to 9 years of age, hadn’t been camping in more than 25 years and were hesitant to take their youngsters on a campout. But Darryl says the supply list provided by workshop organizers after they had signed up to be a great “jump starter” and found the overnight camping trip fun for all. Stephanie says they’ll use the list for future camping trips and the family will likely buy a Texas State Park Pass, which makes camping for families economical.
“It was such a great experience,” Stephanie says. “We learned what it takes to prepare ourselves to go camping, what size tent and what kind of gear we need, and how easy it is to use state parks.”
The workshops cost $55 per family for up to six people. The cost covers all park entry fees and campsite rental, professional park ranger-led programs and instruction, a specially designed curriculum tailored to each state park, a state park Junior Ranger certification program and most importantly.
All that campers need to bring are sleeping bags or bedding, personal items, and food and drinks. To make sure nothing is left at home, a list of suggested items to bring is also provided.
Holmes says that no experience or special equipment is needed to attend an outdoor family workshop. Tents, cooking equipment and other essential items are provided. Skilled outdoor specialists and trained volunteers provide hands-on instruction in everything from setting up a tent and building a fire to how promote environmental awareness in children.
The first fall overnight campouts take place September 11-12 at Lost Maples State Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country and at Galveston Island State Park. Weekend workshops will be held this autumn in state parks located near most of Texas’ major metropolitan areas, as well as several parks in less populous areas.
This year’s final campouts will be held December 4-5 at Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
While all workshop activities are similar, some instruction is site-specific, taking advantage of a park’s individual natural resource. At the upcoming Galveston State Park workshop, for example, participants will learn a number of basic outdoor skills, such as how to build a base camp and cook on an open flame.
Campers, however, also will have the opportunity to try sea kayaking and take a guided hike to observe the Galveston Bay’s changing environment.
For a complete list of upcoming workshops, visit the online Texas Outdoor Family Calendar pages. The workshops are made possible in part by sponsorships from Toyota and the Igloo Corporation.
Worth Pondering…
Wasn’t Born in Texas, But Got Here as Fast as I Could
To provide feedback, please leave comments below. Your insights can help others have a fantastic experience. If you would like a response to your feedback, please e-mail Rex.
Follow Rex via: Twitter / Facebook / StumbleUpon
If you would like to be notified of future articles as they are posted, please go to the top of the page and click on Subscribe. Your email address will not be shared.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also wish to read
RVing 101: New Texas state park guide now available
RVing 101: Galveston State Park recovers from Ike, TX
RVing 101: New tower for Sheldon Lake State Park, TX
RVing 101: Bastrop State Park, TX
Birding and RVing 101: Spill-rehabbed pelicans released at Goose Island, TX
Read even more of Rex’s articles: All stories
Comments
Hi Rex,
The Texas Outdoor Family Workshops are a fantastic initiative for people to get exposed to camping at low cost and in friendly environment. Taking the stress out of first time camping by providing instruction and the right equipment is no doubt very appealing to participants.
I think we have all heard stories of people trying camping and hating the experience; never to do it again. In most cases, some additional knowledge would have seen a far more positive outcome.
I'm sure that after attending the workshop participants will be able to make a more informed decision about whether they enjoy camping enough to want to go again. They should also have gained sufficient knowledge to help them make the right decision about what equipment they will need to buy.
It would be fantastic to take the format of this workshop program and replicate around the world. Here in Australia I haven't heard of any similar program but their is certainly a need.
Thank you for highlighting the program.
Allan McDonald @
EQUIPnTRIP
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!