By Rep. Peter Edgecomb(R-Caribou)
Maine families who have never been camping will get a chance, starting April 1st, to win an all-inclusive camping weekend in the woods provided by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. The Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL), a division of the Maine Department of Conservation, is offering 32 families a complete camping weekend. The program is offered in conjunction with “Take It Outside!”, an initiative intended to encourage children and families to enjoy the outdoors together. The winning families will receive a two-night reservation at their chosen state park, a complete set of camping equipment to use for the weekend courtesy of L.L. Bean and Coleman, a $50 gift card from Hannaford, coupons from Oakhurst Dairy, coffee from Wicked Joe, and Poland Spring water.
This year, the contest will focus on eight state parks. A number of the parks last year also held special activities for the new campers, including interpretive nature walks and canoe and fishing instruction. It is expected there will again be planned events this year.
This program is intended for first-time campers and is offered to Maine residents only. The weekends, which fall in prime camping time, are July 10-12, July 17-19, July 24-26, and July 31-Aug. 2. The parks are Aroostook, Lamoine, Lily Bay, Camden Hills, Cobscook Bay, Peaks-Kenny, Mt. Blue, and Rangeley Lake state parks.
The contest begins on April 1st and continues through May 31st. The winners will be selected in a random drawing on Monday, June 8th. Visit http://www.take-it-outside.com for a complete set of contest rules and entry form.
I can be reached at home: 132 Baird Road, Caribou ME 04736; by home phone, 496-3188; by Statehouse phone, 287-1440; or via e-mail at pedgecom@maine.rr.com
