Steve Knight

To previous generations it might seem absurd, but America has become so urban that today's young parents are having to learn how to visit and camp in a state park.

The good news is that the interest exists.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department expanded its daylong Texas Outdoor Family program to a family weekend event that provides instructions on everything from making smores to GPS technology. It is holding one of the first sessions June 3-4 at Tyler State Park.

"We find that our population is more and more urban and has not been introduced to the basic outdoor skills," said Ashley Mathews, TOF program coordinator. "That doesn't mean the interest isn't there. They want to create these memories with their family. The problem is they don't know what to do, how to plan and buy what they need and to do it safely."

At first glance, the program's schedule looks maddeningly full from daylight to dark. Just the opposite of what those who grew up visiting a state park or camping would want, but Mathews said she has learned it is a sign of the times.

"This generation, their lives are highly scheduled and organized, and if you don't make it as full as possible their attention wanders," said Mathews, who with children ages 9 and 4, qualifies as one of those of whom she speaks.

"Ultimately we do want to find ways to incorporate family free time, but we found they want to know what is going to happen and when it is going to happen. It is like throwing cold water in their faces if you try to send them in another direction too soon."

In an another indictment on the ways of the urban world, Mathews said along with the primary camping skills that today's new visitors to state parks have to learn, they also have to be taught how to let their kids be kids.

"The parents are afraid to let their kids run and go. They don't want to let them go run around, walk on a log, stand on a table or play in the grass," she explained. That, and allowing the kids to pitch in and set up camp or help prepare meals, is something they learn.

"I also run the 'Becoming an Outdoor Woman' program and one of the things the women say is 'I can do this for myself OK. If it is all of the family, I have to do all the work.' I try to talk a lot about that their kids are more capable than they realize. They can put the tent up, tend the fire or set up the lunch. It is good for them," Mathews said.

The trick, she added, is that while camping, children don't realize that they are doing chores.

The TOF agenda teaches families how to hike park trails and fish in the lakes. There are also sessions on pitching a tent and cooking, and one on what type of facilities and activities are available statewide.

The program began as an offering through city parks and recreation departments. There was instruction on many of the same activities, but one thing was missing - the camping.

"We wanted to make it as hands-on as possible. If we did it for a day and lectured about camping and they put up a tent and didn't sleep in it, what did they learn," Mathews said.

She explained that going camping often appeals to some, but not all of the family. By spending a supervised night Mathews said those who start out reluctantly often come around. Adverse conditions may provide an even greater opportunity to learn state park vacations can be fun.

"Rain is a mixed blessing to us because it makes it harder to set up everything, but if they spend the night in the rain they learn they can survive," she explained.

Participants are given instructions on how to cook at a state park using both a charcoal grill and a Coleman stove. Recipes are simple, but get away from the hot dogs and hamburgers for something a little different.

"Cooking really is a vital issue. They are fearful of the stuff that they are going to be using. They are afraid it is difficult and dangerous. We have them take apart a Coleman stove and a lantern. We teach them how to work with a charcoal fire. It can be as simple as you want it to be or as difficult. We teach them basic camp meals so they understand the world is out there. It doesn't have to be hot dogs and PBJ (peanut butter and jelly sandwiches), although those aren't bad," Mathews said.

The Tyler State Park program is $55 for up to eight family members. Individuals are encouraged to bring their own camping gear, but loaners are available for those who aren't sure what to get. Those participating must bring their own sleeping bag and a list of food required for the weekend will be provided in advance.

The Tyler session is limited to 10 families. Reservations can be made by calling 512-389-8903.

For more information, contact Mathews at 512-970-9247 or ashley.mathews@tpwd.state.tx.us.

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Contact Outdoor Editor Steve Knight at 903-596-6277 or by e-mail at outdoor@tylerpaper.com

Steve Knight
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