Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo and First Gentleman Andy Moffit, along with their kids, will host over 140 participants in the state's first Capital Campout on Saturday, June 13 at Lincoln Woods State Park. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has invited children and families registered in the Great Outdoors Pursuit to participate in the event in celebration of Great Outdoors Month.
"There's a lot to love about Rhode Island, and our beautiful state parks are part of what make us special," said Raimondo. "I encourage Rhode Island families to get outside and enjoy all that Lincoln Woods has to offer at the Capital Campout."
"Our family feels fortunate to live in a state that offers so many ways for families to enjoy the great outdoors together," said Moffit. "I'm excited about the chance to try some new activities as we kick off Rhode Island's Great Outdoors Pursuit. We hope to see you there!"
As campers arrive (between 3:30 and 5:00 pm) they will be welcomed by members of the scouting troops who will be on hand to help with proper tent and camp setup. After campsites are set up, campers will enjoy activities such as kayaking, fishing and lawn games.
"DEM is very excited to host Governor Raimondo, First Gentleman Andy Moffit and their children at the Capital Campout this Saturday at Lincoln Woods," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Rhode Island state parks are among our major tourist attractions, and enjoying these beautiful parks with family, friends and visitors creates memories that will last a lifetime."
At 5:30 pm, Governor Raimondo, First Gentleman Moffit, and DEM Director Janet Coit will visit with the campers and officially proclaim June as Great Outdoors Month before campers set forth on an evening of fun-filled activities including a campfire sing-a-long with s'mores, an outdoor movie and astronomy and stargazing.
The Capital Campout is one of more than a dozen outdoor camping experiences hosted by governors across the nation. The Capital Campouts highlight and promote outdoor recreation as part of Great Outdoors Month™ 2015 - a national celebration of the benefits of outdoor recreation throughout the month of June. Governor Raimondo joins the President and 49 fellow governors in proclaiming June as Great Outdoors Month™. Rhode Island's proclamation - as well as more information about Capital Campouts and Great Outdoors Month™ - is available at www.greatoutdoorsmonth.org.
Rhode Island's Capital Campout is made possible by a wide range of agencies and partners led by DEM and Great Outdoors Month™ Founding Sponsor The Coleman Company, Inc., which is donating camping supplies and gear to engage youth with an outdoor recreation experience. Coleman President, Dave Allen notes that the equipment will get good use after the Campouts: "We are delighted that the tents and other camping equipment will become key assets of programs by state park agencies and allied organizations to host kids and families at Learn to Camp programs. Most of the equipment will get used over and over again. We expect that each six-person tent will generate a hundred big new smiles!"
Support also comes from Whole Foods at University Heights, the American Recreation Coalition, and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.