FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY TO PROMOTE THE GREAT AMERICAN BACKYARD CAMPOUT

Will highlight Maryland’s outdoor recreational opportunities

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 14, 2011) – TOMORROW, First Lady Katie O’Malley, along with the National Wildlife Federation and Maryland Park Service representatives, will encourage Maryland children and families to go camping and enjoy Maryland’s outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the summer.

The Great American Backyard Campout, created by the National Wildlife Federation,  is a national event  on June 25 that encourages everyone — from experienced to first-time campers — to enjoy camping out, whether in a park, campground, backyard, patio or balcony. The Maryland Park Service will also host special events at 9 State Parks including activities such as campfires, outdoor cooking classes, animal programs, guided canoeing and hiking, and beachcombing.

To ensure all Maryland young people have the opportunity to connect with their natural world and grow to become informed and responsible stewards, Governor O’Malley established the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature in 2008. Under this initiative, which is now being used as a national model, the Administration launched ambitious goals to improve connections with nature during the school day as well as outside of school and in communities.