COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Recreation Division will join thousands of families across the nation, gathering in their backyards, neighborhoods, communities, and parks June 22 to enjoy a night of camping for the Ninth Annual Great American Backyard Campout, organized by the National Wildlife Federation.

Join Smokey Bear, Sparky the Fire Dog, and Bert the Squirrel for camping games, songs, prizes and star gazing at Overlook Park June 22. A limited number of four person and six person tents are available for families who do not have tents and would like to join in the fun. This is a dog friendly event, but all dogs must be current on shots, be friendly, be picked up after, and leashed in the camping area.

The Great American Backyard Campout is part of NWF’s Be Out There movement and is organized by National Wildlife Federation to encourage people to get outside and connect with the natural world.

It is designed to teach kids about the wonders of nature and inspire their interest in spending more time outside. As today’s indoor childhood becomes more of a reality, GABC plays a key role in NWF’s three year goal of getting 10 million more kids outdoors on a more regular basis.

“Whether camping in the great outdoors or in their own backyard, the Great American Backyard Campout is the perfect way for families to make lasting memories and will give them a better understanding of why it’s called the great outdoors,” said Karoline Hurd, senior manager of events for National Wildlife Federation.

For more information or to get involved, contact the Recreation Division at (505) 662-8173.