Learn-to-Camp Overnight Sessions

Not everybody knows how to camp! It may not be rocket science, but there is a Facebook page dedicated to "EZ Tips" for camping for Toronto city folk. But it's one thing to read or hear about it and another thing to actually experience it, preferably with a guide.

First, the bad news: To help newcomers in Toronto and Hamilton experience the great Canadian outdoors and the joys and pains of camping, Parks Canada, with Mountain Equipment Co-op, is running a Learn-to-Camp event this weekend near Niagara Falls. Well, I just found out; it's too late to join them.


Next, the good news: On the provincial level, Ontario Parks is organizing a series of overnight sessions in the area, within a two-hour drive from Toronto. Be sure to book fast--some sessions have only four campsites left, and others are completely booked. They have helpfully provided a whole bunch of camping-related resources online as well as a schedule of activities:

Saturday (Day 1)

9:00-10:00 AM - Registration

10:00-10:15 AM - Welcome and Introduction

10:15-10:45 AM - Setting Up Your Tent

11:30-12:00 PM - Setting Up Your Kitchen and Packing your Cooler

12:00- 1:00 PM - LUNCH

1:00 PM - Campsite Safety

2:00 PM - Protecting You and Your Park: Meet a Park Warden

2:30 PM - FREE TIME

4:00 PM - Preparing Meals: How to Cook on a Camp-stove & Campfire

5:30- 7:00 PM - DINNER followed by FREE TIME

7:00PM - Your First Night Camping: What to Expect

7:30 PM - How to Build a Campfire

Campfire Treats

Sunday (Day 2)

9:00 AM - BREAKFAST

10:00 AM - How to Tear Down your Campsite, 'Leave No Trace'/ Green Camping

11:30 AM - Program Wrap-up and Conclusion

Wouldn't it be great if we could get some of these experts to come to our LINC school to teach us how to camp?

UPDATE: Good news! We'll be having a community workshop on camping on July 26, 2011.