Camping is a quintessential Canadian summer pastime, but for some newcomers to the country it can be an alluring yet intimidating right of passage.

Whether youB次元官网网址檙e new to camping or new to Canada, or both, Parks Canada is holding its National Urban Learn-to Camp Event for the second year to help teach people all over Canada the fundamentals of outdoor camping.

In Greater Victoria, the event is held at Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site from June 16 to June 17.

B次元官网网址淭hey might have some fears about camping, they might have some trepidation,B次元官网网址� Parks Canada West Coast public education manager Dennis Wasylenko said. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e helping them out the first time so that they can get the skills and confidence to do it on their own in the future.B次元官网网址�

People are often unsure about the logistics of camping, such as preparing for weather, setting up a tent or cooking while camping. Beyond that, some have never slept outside before and have some concerns over what it will be like.

B次元官网网址淭o do it in a group setting really helps them feel more comfortable,B次元官网网址� Wasylenko said. B次元官网网址淚f theyB次元官网网址檙e participating in the program theyB次元官网网址檙e obviously at a point at their time in Canada that theyB次元官网网址檙e ready to start trying those things. So weB次元官网网址檙e just giving them a helping hand.B次元官网网址�

Participants learn to set up a camp, with tents and sleeping pads donated by Mountain Equipment Co-op. TheyB次元官网网址檙e also taught food preparation, as well as taking part in nature walks and journaling. Participants are also shown how to camp ethically, leaving no footprint of their visit behind.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 really about the connection to the outdoors,B次元官网网址� Wasylenko said. B次元官网网址淚 think it really builds and forms a personal connection.B次元官网网址�

Registration is mandatory and needs to be confirmed by Tuesday, June 12. Visit pc.gc.ca/Vancouver or email coastalbc.cotec-b@pc.gc.ca for more information and to register.

There will be a second, slightly more advanced Learn-to Camp event in July at Pacific Rim National Park near Tofino.

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