Michigan State Parks "First Time Camper" Program

This spring, Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas Urban Outreach announced the "First Time Campers" program, which will run till September. This program, sponsored by Gander Mountain, is a unique opportunity for families who are new to camping. The goal is to provide an experience for new campers to experience the outdoors. Equipment, instructions, gear and information guides are all provided for a two night stay at a reasonable rate of only $20. To help "First Time Campers" prepared for their experience, you'll receive a "welcome kit" filled with details on what to pack, what to expect, and what to wear. After check-in, DNR staff will personally walk you through setting up camp and settling in for a great time. This includes how to put up a tent, start a campfire, and tips on using a camp stove. While the campers won't get to keep the gear they use, Gander Mountain will be offering great discounts on everything you'll be trying. Here's the gear that will be provided by Gander Mountain for each participating location: 1 tent 1 tarp 2 camp chairs 1 flashlight 1 lantern 1 stove 4 hot dog/marshmallow cookers 2 fishing poles To be a part of the "First Time Camper" program, please contact the park or recreation area directly (do NOT use the regular on-line registration system!) Here's a list of participating locations: Baraga State Park Park Supervisor - Dan Dowdy, 906-353-6882 Bay City Recreation Area Park Supervisor - Mike Evanoff, 989-684-9141 Bewabic State Park Park Supervisor - Robert Strittmatter, 906-875-3324 Cheboygan State Park Park Supervisor - Paul Koszegi, 231-627-2811 Hayes State Park Park Supervisor - Tim Bauer, 517-467-7401 Hoffmaster State Park Park Supervisor - Charles Ehrlich, 231-798-3711 Holly Recreation Area Park Supervisor - Shawn Speaker, 248-634-8811 Muskegon State Park Park Supervisor - Kevin Klco, 231-744-3480 Pinckney Recreation Area Park Supervisor - Jon LaBossiere, 734-426-4913 Pontiac Lake Recreation Area Park Supervisor - Karis Floyd, 248-666-1020 Port Crescent State Park Park Supervisor - Betsy Kish, 989-738-8663 Sleeper State Park Park Supervisor - George Lauinger, 989-856-4411 Traverse City State Park Park Supervisor - Tim Schreiner, 231-922-5270 Wells State Park Park Supervisor - Hector Valdez, 906-863-9747 Young State Park Park Supervisor - Sue Rose, 231-582-7523