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New York's First Time Camper Program

The state DOH and NYS Parks are sponsoring their second "First Time Camper Program" in an effort to get those who've never camped in a tent to get out and give it a try.

YOUNGSTOWN, NY — Great American poet Walt Whitman wrote in 1856, "Now I see the secret of making the best person. It is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth."

Whitman knew first hand the myriad benefits of camping - of spending time far way from the wrack and ruin of modern society.

The Lottery For The First Time Camper Program Runs From May 10 - 13th.

NY State knows that, too. That's why the state Department of Environmental Conservation and NY State Parks are sponsoring their second "First Time Camper Program." It's an effort to get those who've never camped in a tent to get out and give it a try. The first step is to register for a special lottery beginning May 10. "It's so wildly popular, there's a lottery!" explains Angela Berti, NY State Parks Public Affairs. "People are going to be encouraged to register for the lottery - which will be May tenth, and running for three days [...] and there will be a drawing to pick thirty families to enjoy a Department Of Environmental Conservation campground, and thirty five for NY State Park campgrounds, all across the state of New York."

The lucky winners get a weekend getaway at the site of their choice, and they won't even need to bring their own gear. Berti says it's all courtesy of the State.

"New York State will provide all the gear that they need: tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, sleeping pads. As well as assistance - because it's not easy. You might have all of that stuff, but it's not easy putting a tent up or to start a campfire. It can be a little disarming to do that, so what we'll do is provide some help. We'll provide interpretation to the surroundings, some activities that will help the families that do win embrace the outdoors and their camping experience."

According to the 2017 North American Camping Report, camping participation has been on the rise. In the United States, one million households have started camping each year since 2014, resulting in almost three and a half million new campers.

Pittsburgh residents David and Donna Palmer are return campers at Four Mile Creek State Park in Youngstown. They've been camping for years, and know its many rewards well. "The benefits to me are the fresh air and the exercise," says Donna. "Just be out, grounding. Take your shoes off and run through the grass. Late at night when you're at the campground, especially up here in these parks - the stars are unreal!"

Bill agrees, "If you have the opportunity to get out and do something you've never done, try it! Don't knock it until you try it. I's something you'll experience and you'll remember the rest of your life."

Mother Nature works her charms with entrancing skill. Berti says that first time camping experience may just transform into a life long tradition.

"We find that it's super generational. People fall in love with their parks, their families come year after year after year after year, they develop a sense of ownership with the parks that they love, and we're lucky in that sense because people do love our parks and they keep coming back. Once it's in your blood, really, it's there. "

For more information on the First Time Camper Program, you can visit the DEC's website.

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