Urban dwellers who imagine CanadaB次元官网网址檚 backwoods as distant and dangerous can get a primer on safe camping, as part of Parks CanadaB次元官网网址檚 centennial celebrations.

Parks CanadaB次元官网网址檚 Learn to Camp program is rolling out across 10 cities on June 18, including at Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site in Colwood.

One hundred families B次元官网网址� staying with the centennial theme B次元官网网址� will have a chance to camp overnight in the vast and scenic field overlooking the fort. Staff from Mountain Equipment Co-op will provide the instruction on operating a camping stove, setting up a tent and other camping basics.

B次元官网网址淭his is part of a strategy to get urban Canadians and youth, and new Canadians, to enjoy parks and historic sites,B次元官网网址� said Parks Canada CEO Alan Latourelle.

B次元官网网址淎ll surveys weB次元官网网址檝e done show a change in demographics, that young Canadians are not connecting with nature and history. For a lot of new Canadian families, camping is not a traditional activity.B次元官网网址�

ItB次元官网网址檚 a rare chance to camp at Fort Rodd Hill, a historic site that hosts military reenactments and festivals, but typically not overnight events. Jon Barss, with Parks Canada at Fort Rodd Hill, said the event will give first-timers a chance to dip their toe into camping, while still close to the city.

Mountain Equipment Co-op is supplying tents, stoves and camping gear B次元官网网址� participants only need to bring sleeping bags. Fort staff will be serving supper and breakfast.

B次元官网网址淔ort Rodd Hill is not becoming a camping spot, but (Learn to Camp) is intended as an annual event,B次元官网网址� Barss said. B次元官网网址淭his is totally new for us, weB次元官网网址檝e not done anything like it. It should be a lot of fun.B次元官网网址�

For more information email coastalbc.events@pc.gc.ca or see www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fortroddhill under Activities and then 2011 Calendar of Events.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com