Get outside

The province thinks it has a cure for nature deficit disorder; learn to camp.

For the second year, Ontario Parks is launching its Learn to Camp program. And for the first time, it’s coming North. Last year more than 1,000 people turned out to three Southern Ontario parks to take part in the program. So far this year, more than 2,000 have turned up so far.

“This is one way to potentially get people back out into the wilderness and into camping and to learn more about nature as well,” Ontario Parks’ Barb Rees said.

For $64, Ontario Parks provides the campsite, the equipment and the instructors to get people back to nature.

“From how to set up your tent to how to work a cook stove to information about the different camping gear that’s out there,” Rees said. “The only thing that’s not provided is your sleeping bag, your personal items and the food.”

People may have misconceptions that camping is too expensive or requires too much gear. Rees said unless you’re going winter camping or really heading into the wild, it’s pretty easy.

“You don’t’ even need a sleeping bag to go camping,” she said. “A lot of the things you need may already be in your house right now it’s just a matter of packing it up and taking it with you.”

Sleeping Giant will host the first northern workshop this weekend. There are eight spots available on a first come first serve basis. Registration can be done here.