Indianapolis – Today, Governor Mike Pence hosted a Mile with Mike event at the Department of Natural Resources’ Capital Campout at Fort Harrison State Park. The Capital Campout is one of more than a dozen outdoor camping experiences hosted by governors across the nation to promote outdoor recreation as part of Great Outdoors Month 2016. Governor Pence declared June as Great Outdoors Month in the State of Indiana, noted in the proclamation attached.
“As we mark Indiana State Parks’ centennial year, it is altogether fitting that we share with young Hoosiers the rich history and beauty our State Parks have to offer at this year’s Capital Campout,” said Governor Pence. “From the banks of the Wabash, to the shores of Lake Michigan, to the tree tops of Brown County State Park, I encourage Hoosiers across the state to explore Indiana’s unique, natural treasures.”
More than 50 Capital Campout participants from Indianapolis-area youth centers hiked around Delaware Lake with the Governor after the campers participated in fishing, horseback riding, outdoor cooking, and a variety of other activities. Since 2013, the Governor has participated in Mile with Mike events across the state of Indiana to encourage health and exercise among Hoosiers.
The Capital Campout is made possible by Indiana State Parks and Great Outdoors Month founding sponsor, The Coleman Company, which donated camping supplies, gear, and funding. Other Indiana Capital Campout sponsors and partners include CampTown, The Recreational Vehicle Indiana Council, The Kroger Company, Indiana Trailriders Association, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana and the Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis.
“Indiana’s Capital Campout is one of several tools that the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is using to encourage youngsters to get outdoors,” said DNR Director Cam Clark.
Clark said other efforts include the President Every Kid in a Park initiative, Indiana Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights; Indiana State Parks’ new centennial curriculum that includes opportunities for free visits to state parks for participating students; Discovering the Outdoors Field Trip Grants to schools; GoFishIN workshops; hunter, boater and archery education; and hunting heritage activities.
More information about Indiana State Parks programs for youth and schools can be found at http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2419.htm and http://www.in.gov/dnr/kids/.
