Shared by Volunteer & Special Events Coordinator Christa Kermode, as Guest Blogger.

The average American child spends just four to seven minutes playing outside each day, and in the last few decades, childhood has moved to kids spending more than six hours per day in front of electronic media.  

Bring your family to Sky Meadows State Park to celebrate Great American Backyard Campout!

Sky Meadows State Park is hosting the 8^THAnnual Great American Backyard Campout^® starting at Noon on Saturday, June 23 to Noon on Sunday, June 24.

The National Wildlife Federation and Virginia State Parks encourages families to trade their websites for campsites and screen time for green time to experience a night in the great outdoors. 

Once a year, Sky Meadows State Park opens the Historic Mount Bleak backyard to campers; don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate nature and the great outdoors for 24 hours!  Early arrivers are welcome to join an Audubon-led Bird Walk at 9 a.m. and then setup their campsite on June 23.

The park will be hosting various programs, activities, and presentations throughout the day and into the evening for campers.

Sky Meadows State Park partner and event sponsor Blue Ridge Mountain Sports of Warrenton will be at the park with the Outdoors Skills Station.  Store manager Josh Warner will be available to answer questions about hiking, backpacking, orienteering, and of course, camping.  You will also have the opportunity to shop for some of the outdoor gear you need for these activities. 

A new addition to this year’s event is the Virginia Search & Rescue Dog Association; they will be presenting their “Preventative SAR” program and demonstrating with their canine friends. 

The National Wildlife Federation will share stories and information about the importance of coexisting with wildlife.  Other activities include Nature Photography workshops, a Leave No Trace class, and live animal presentations by Raptor Conservancy of Virginia. 

The Blacksmith Guild of the Potomac will be demonstrating blacksmithing skills.  Visitors will have the opportunity to watch members of the guild forge items by hand.  Purchase a hand-forged marshmallow roasting fork and other items made by members of the guild.

Roast marshmallows over the campfire! 

Campers will finish the day with Smokey Bear and storytelling by the group campfire, and will have the opportunity to view the night sky from telescopes provided by Northern Virginia Astronomy Club. 

The Friends of Sky Meadows State Park (FOSK) will be holding a raffle during the event to help raise funds to support programs and resource management at the park.  FOSK is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that assists with identifying and promoting activities to conserve, enhance, and interpret the natural, cultural, scenic, recreational, and historical resources of Sky Meadows State Park.  Items that have been donated for the raffle include: $50 gift card from Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, a year pass to Virginia State Parks, and other miscellaneous items.   

Hurry!  Make your reservation for tent camping only in the Mount Bleak backyard today.  Advanced registration is $26, tax included or $40 + tax at the gate.  Space is limited so don’t wait. 

To make reservations call (800) 933-PARK or visit the VA State Parks camping page.

For more information and a schedule of activities call 540-592-3556 or email.