Have you always wanted to take your family camping, but really weren’t sure how to go about it? If so, Buescher State Park will be hosting a two-day program February 13^th-14^th 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 explore 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.

Buescher State Park, located just two miles outside of Smithville, offers unparalleled recreational opportunities that include an eight-mile hiking trail where visitors can trek through a forest of oaks and pines as well as kayaking, wildlife viewing, bicycling and camping. At the park’s tranquil lake, fishing is lucrative with bass, crappie, perch and rainbow trout inhabiting the dark waters.

The workshop costs $55 per family (up to six people), and includes individual car 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 or equipment necessary for these workshops,” said Chris Holmes, the State Park Outdoor Programs Coordinator. “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 for more information, including the complete schedule of weekend workshops. Check the web pages regularly, as new workshops continue to be added to the schedule.

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.