TPWD park rangers offering online programs through April

AUSTIN — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s Texas Outdoor Family (TOF) program is leading the #TexasOutdoorFamilyCampIn, a month long online initiative encouraging families to learn outdoor skills together. This series, taking place through April, will culminate in a statewide backyard or indoor camp-in on Saturday, May 2.

This online series consists of more than 30 programs promoting outdoor education while social distancing.

The #TexasOutdoorFamilyCampIn showcases live and pre-recorded programs through Facebook Live. Programs led by park rangers that will teach skills including:

• backyard camping ideas;

• outdoor tent and indoor fort set up;

• storytelling;

• nature photography;

• virtual and backyard fire building;

• Dutch oven cooking and camping snacks;

• lessons on the night sky;

• Buffalo Solider history;

• fishing tips and identification;

• cowboy and Native American tales; and

• tips on camping with pets.

During a time when many Texas families are staying home, the #TexasOutdoorFamilyCampIn online program offers a way for families to spend time together learning new skills and enjoying the camping experience in their own way. Both backyard camping and indoor camp-in ideas will be shared, with easy and fun ideas and projects encouraging families to learn new skills.

The series will culminate in a state-wide community camp-in on Saturday, May 2, with rangers around the state broadcasting live from some of the most popular Texas state parks. Families are encouraged to submit indoor and outdoor “campsite” photos.

For more information, contact TOF coordinator John Souva at John.Souva@tpwd.texas.gov or Buffalo Solider Heritage Outreach Program Coordinator Luis Padilla at Luis.Padilla@tpwd.texas.gov.