Attracting tourists to boost Michigan's economy has taken a new path to draw urban dwellers to the great outdoors with camping packages, including equipment, for first-time campers. The state park program hopes to hook new campers on the experience and reel them in for more adventures in the future.
According to excerpts from the story:
Attention city dwellers and pretty much anyone who can't name the three ingredients in a classic s'more: It's likely never been easier and cheaper to check out Michigan's wilder side. The state of Michigan has launched a First-Time Camper Program that offers an incredible getaway bargain to camping newbies not already in the state park central reservation system. For $20, those new to Michigan camping can book a two-night stay in any of 15 participating state parks or recreation areas. That covers all campsite and state park fees as well as a loaner tent, sleeping bags, a lantern, a flashlight, camp chairs, a stove, a fishing pole and instructions for how to use them all. The first 110 campers to sign up get to keep the fishing pole. What's the catch? The campers themselves. "Our thought is, they're going to come back," said Carl Lindell, the park system's Bay City district supervisor. "We're going to connect them with the out of doors."
Read the complete story here.
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