More and more get introduced to the beauty of camping through Learn-to-Camp, a program that has been running at P.E.I. National Park since 2011, a report said.
The Prince Edward Island Association for Newcomers to Canada (PEIANC) has been a long-standing partner of Parks Canada in the Learn-to Camp program.
Learn-to-Camp Janette Gallant is Parks Canada’s visitor experience product development officer on P.E.I says that it has become one of their “most iconic programs” at Parks Canada.
It’s a way to bring people in, to be supported, but also to allow you to fully immerse yourself into a natural environment. You can have some really amazing traditional experiences and feel really supported.
Parks Canada will offer a limited number of spots to rent at Cavendish Campground on Friday evenings for groups of six people to participate in the Learn-to Camp program.
In the article, Valerie Fitzpatrick (a member of the PEIANC community engagement team) said, they invite newcomers who are interested in coming out and camping for the first time.
Fitzpatrick stated that the limited spots fill up quickly and there is a waiting list of people who are eager to join.
“Then they came and they really loved it even more than what they thought they would but they didn’t feel comfortable camping on their own,” she added.
In the report, Fitzpatrick stated that it makes things easier to have staff from Parks Canada and PEIANC on-hand to assist first-time campers with any issues that might arise at the campsite.
PEIANC helps participants succeed by giving them information ahead of time about what to expect and what they should bring.
Parks Canada provides a tent, a sleeping pad, a camping chair, cooking materials, and a propane stove. While campers must bring their own bedding, including pillows and blankets. They can also bring any food.
The evening will include demonstrations by staff to demonstrate basic camping skills.
Gallant stated that it’s more than just setting up a tent. It’s about setting up a campsite, setting up a fire, and using a propane stove to cook.
“We help everyone get started so they have a successful initial experience.”
Parks Canada provides camping equipment as a way to help people who are just starting out, she explained.
This year, there will be some changes to the Learn-to Camp Program.
A weekend event with approximately 100 people is usually held earlier in the year. You could have group gatherings or cater for some meals.
Parks Canada will be running a modified version this year. From Friday through the end of the summer, five campsites are available for the Learn to Camp program.
Some slots are reserved only for PEIANC members, but Parks Canada will open up spaces for anyone who wants to experience camping for the first time.
In the report, Gallant stated, “We see that the pandemic has caused more people to seek out different ways of experiencing nature.”
“They might be people who have never gone camping before but are now thinking that it’s something they’d really like to do.”
Parks Canada offers Learn-to Camp programs at three locations — P.E.I. Halifax and Vancouver.
Fitzpatrick, a representative of PEIANC staff, has been camping with participants each year that the program has been on the Island.
She said that it also helps to build relationships within the community.
Some participants meet for the first time, and form bonds while camping.
She said, “The next thing you know, you have another family of immigrants — totally different country, different languages — and they’ve popped in next door and are helping them set up their tent because they want that skill to be shared immediately.”
“It’s truly beautiful. It is heartwarming to be able to see it every year,” she said in the report.
