EL DORADO STATE PARK – Across the U.S., state governors have declared June to be “Great Outdoors Month” to remind us of the fantastic outdoor recreational opportunities we can enjoy. In conjunction with Great Outdoors Month, June 18, 2016 has been designated Great Outdoors Day in Kansas by Governor Brownback and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). The day will be celebrated at El Dorado State Park and will culminate with the Governor’s Campout. Great Outdoors Day activities and displays can be enjoyed free of charge from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at El Dorado State Park’s Walnut River Amphitheater Area.

Those attending the Great Outdoors Day will be able to shoot bows and airguns, catch bugs and crawdads, learn to paddle a kayak or canoe, learn about nature, and see the latest camping and outdoor gear. Other activities include a KDWPT K-9 demonstration, aquatic education programs, flint knapping demonstrations, horse rides, a fishing clinic, and KDWPT’s mobile aquarium.

The Governor’s Campout will begin Saturday evening. Anyone interested in camping must pre-register by calling Kati Westerhaus at 620-672-0740 or emailing Kati.westerhaus@ksoutdoors.com. Slots for campers are limited. The campout will begin with registration at 4:30 p.m. After a welcoming ceremony, campers can enjoy a national park exhibit, supper and programs including live animal education demonstrations, Dutch oven cooking, cowboy campfire stories and songs and telescope star gazing. Campers will enjoy breakfast and a closing ceremony with certificates and door prizes on Sunday morning.

Sponsoring participants include Coleman Factory Outlet, Kansas Golf and Turf, Sutherlands, Bicycle X-change, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Boys and Girl Scouts, Shady Creek Sales, John K. Fisher, Cabela’s Butler County Extension Office and 4-H, the National Wild Turkey Federations, Butler County Rescue and EMS and Wildscape.

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