The increasingly popular Texas Outdoor Family program comes to Estero Llano Grande State Park in the Rio Grande Valley on March 13-14 to help adults and youngster become comfortable with camping beneath the stars and to reconnect with nature.

The overnight campout and outdoor education workshop at the World Birding Center site is one of more than two dozen Texas Parks and Wildlife Department-sponsored outdoor family workshops being held throughout the state this spring to try to eliminate barriers to families wishing to share the outdoor experience together. The two-year-old Texas Outdoor Family program has taught hundreds of adults and children from diverse backgrounds how to safely enjoy the outdoors and help conserve Texas’ natural resources.

The theme of the Estero Llano Grande workshop is connecting children to nature through wildlife observation and journaling. Outdoor education specialists will welcome campers on Saturday morning. Participants learn how to pitch a tent and how to operate such typical camping equipment as camp stoves and lanterns. During the evening, participants learn how to build a fire and cook on open flames and outdoor grills, and receive a primer on those scary night noises typically heard in a park. On Sunday morning, a park ranger will share coffee and conversation about nature, state parks and how to best enjoy the great outdoors.

The overnight campouts are designed for persons who have never camped before or may not have camped for many years, as well as for those who don’t have the necessary equipment or see the outdoors as being boring or dangerous. Texas state parks, with ample campsites and a law enforcement presence, prove the ideal setting for the structured campouts.

All camping equipment is being provided thanks to program sponsor Toyota. Registrants must bring their own food to cook outdoors. Families will receive a suggested camp menu and shopping list. There is a 16-family maximum per workshop. The cost is $55 per family for up to eight people.

Families can register by calling 512-389-8903 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and speaking to a Texas Outdoor Family representative or by sending an e-mail to tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us anytime. After registration, a confirmation packet with details will be sent.